Waiver Wire Pickup - Jeff Green

Jeff Green got the starting nod tonight against the Grizzlies, and it was just a matter of time. I mean, Seattle was going to make this move, once they realized how uncompetitive they really are this year. I figure they just didn't think it would be this early. What did Jeff do in his starting role?]

11 points, 14 rebounds (8 offensive), 1 assist, 1 steal on 4-12 shooting

Those are not great numbers, except for the rebounding, so why I am recommending you pick him up? Because he's a very talented rookie who is going to get 30 minutes per night. Set you expectations accordingly, though. He will be up and down most of the year, just like Sean Williams. They will have good to great games followed by lousy ones. It's just the way most rookies go. Even Kevin Durant is up and down; look at his stats for tonight.



That being said, I am a big fan of young guys with potential, especially if you are in a keeper league. You never know who will blow up, and this early on.... why not take the risk. Last time there was a super talented draft (2003) we saw players like LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh all have good to great rookie years. I'm not saying 2007 is as good as that draft, not yet at least, but why can't we have some special rookie performances from any other guys not named Kevin Durant? Look at how many rookies are already starting for their teams:

Kevin Durant
Al Horford
Jeff Green
Yi Jianlian
Acie Law
Sean Williams

That's a pretty high number of rookie starters. Most of whom are probably already owned in your league, so I am just adding one more to the list; Jeff Green. Green is a great hustle guy who is willing to get his hands dirty and do what his team needs of him, without the glory. On a personal note, The Supersonics are my favorite team, so I hope he goes on to have a great rookie year, and I can enjoy watching him and KD develop!