Draft Pick Green Exceptionally Versatile, Savvy

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'>djusting to a new environment, blending in as a chameleon and excelling when thrust into a pivotal role is nothing new for Sonics rookie Jeff Green.</p>

He is coming off a three-year stint at Georgetown, where he emerged as the team's most versatile, valuable and mature player, leading the Hoyas to the Final Four as a junior. Green was tabbed as a top 10 pick in the NBA draft after last season. Scouts often lauded him for his all-around skills instead of his mastery of anything in particular.</p>

Unlike Sonics teammate Kevin Durant, who wowed observers with the immediacy of a hip-hop album because of his smooth outside shot, elite ballhandling skills and ability to drive to the basket at will, Green translates as more of a jazz album. The more you listen (or watch in this case), the more you like him.</p>

In his final college season, Green averaged 14.3 points, 6.4 rebounds and 3.3 assists. Despite those less than extraordinary statistics, he was named a third-team Associated Press All-American in addition to capturing several other honors. Obviously, Green possesses intangibles that might not have translated statistically under coach John Thompson III's Princeton offense.</p>

Under the methodical system, backdoor cuts and crisp passes are emphasized over fast breaks and high-flying dunks. The Hoyas harassed opponents with defensive pressure and then lulled them into mistakes with pinpoint offensive execution. Green was the captain of that system. At 6 feet 9, he played four positions. With his dribbling ability, he can take an opponent to the basket or pull up for a jumper. And with his basketball intelligence, he can beat his defender for streaking layups.</p>

Asked about what makes Green exceptional, Sonics coach P.J. Carlesimo had several answers.</p>

"I think the combination of size, athletic ability and ball skills," Carlesimo said. "Usually a guy that big is not that athletic. Usually a guy that big can't play 20 feet away from the basket and pass the ball. When you get a guy like (Green) who has ball skills and athletic ability and knows how to play basketball on top of that, it's a problem if he's on the other team."</p>

As expected, Green's arrival has been overshadowed by Durant's presence. When each made their NBA debuts during the Las Vegas Summer League on July 6, all cameras focused on Durant, while Green's every move was not dissected because it seemed like he belonged.</p>

When his first shot was swatted away by Dallas' DeSagana Diop, he responded by sprinting down the court and sending Eddie Baisen's runner into the stands.</p>

The Sonics are banking that Green is the same versatile player he was at Georgetown, with the ability to play three positions.</p>

For him, it's second nature. During his freshman season, Thompson chided Green for "dribbling like a center."</p>

"My game had to transition the way it did," he said, "because we came into a situation with a new coach and I had to make myself more useful. Coach Thompson put in a lot of work in trying to get me better playing on the perimeter. And I started to enjoy that and it became a passion for me."</div></p>

Source: Seattle PI</p>