The Los Angeles Clippers got a last-minute trade at the deadline on Thursday when they sent Lance Stephenson to the Memphis Grizzlies in exchange for Jeff Green. The Clippers were rumored in moves for weeks following the deal that sent Josh Smith to the Houston Rockets. Most of the talk centered around Blake Griffin, but instead the team got Green who could be the x-factor into the playoffs.
According to Tom Penn of ESPN.com, Green is a perfect fit for the Clippers as he comes into the team with an immediate understanding of the offense Doc Rivers likes to run. The two worked together in Boston and a reunion makes the transition between teams easier. Green is versatile enough to play small or power forward while being another potential floor-spacer to assist Chris Paul.
Statistically, Green is the better fit on the court than Griffin. Two seasons ago, Green was playing with another elite point guard in Rajon Rondo. According to Basketball-Reference.com, Green shot 47.8 percent from the field with Rondo while shooting just 41.4 percent without Rondo. That is good news for the Clippers who hope he can re-create those stats with Paul on the court. He takes more scoring weight off Paul than Griffin did which will help while the forward remains injured.
It is unclear exactly when Griffin will return for the Lakers. The forward was ruled out for four to six weeks following the Jan. 23 punching incident. ESPN.com then reported he will be suspended four games following his return to the court. For now, the Clippers are starting Luc Richard Mbah a Moute at the forward role. Green could step in and fill those shoes if need be. For anyone thinking that there would be bad blood upon Griffin's return to the locker room, Paul denied the idea.
"Can't wait," Paul said, via the Los Angeles Times. "Like we've been saying, both of those guys are a part of our family and we can't wait to get them back, get some things back to a little bit of normalcy."
With Griffin out, the Clippers need more from Green. Whether he is the x-factor to the playoffs is debatable, but he offers more than what Stephenson brought to the table. Green's defending can be spotty and he struggles with rebounds, but his versatility is what the Clippers need on the court right now. The team came out strong following the All-Star break with a win over San Antonio. If they can keep the momentum moving, they stand a better shot once in the playoffs.
