Free agent shooting guard Gerald Green is reportedly preparing for a comeback with the Houston Rockets after an injury derailed his NBA career last season.
Kelly Iko of The Athletic looked at a number of different aspects of the Rockets’ offseason, which includes the team looking to hire a new head coach. In the case of Green, his continued rehabilitation is something that’s largely been under the radar.
“Free agent Gerald Green has been training privately in Houston as he ramps up his recovery, in hopes of a Rockets return, league sources told The Athletic,” Iko wrote. “It’s been over a year since Green last played an NBA game, missing the entire season with a broken foot before being included in the multi-team trade that sent Robert Covington to Houston. Green was waived by the Denver Nuggets and has remained in Houston ever since February.”
The 34-year-old Green suffered a broken left foot during the Rockets’ training camp last year and eventually underwent season-ending surgery.
In February, Green was one small part of a four-team deal that involved the Rockets, Nuggets, Atlanta Hawks and Minnesota Timberwolves. Shortly after the deal, the Nuggets waived Green.
Green’s NBA career has been a long and winding road, as he’s played for eight NBA teams and has spent time playing in Russia.
Back in 2005, the Boston Celtics selected Green as the 18th overall pick in the draft. Over the course of his lengthy career, Green has largely come off the bench and has career numbers of 9.7 points and 2.5 rebounds per game.
There’s no indication whether or not the Rockets plan to sign Green, but it seems clear that the veteran isn’t ready to retire from the game just yet.