Even if Javonte Green doesn’t play big minutes for the Detroit Pistons, his work ethic and intensity on defense will provide valuable help to the rest of the roster.
Green doesn’t offer much on offense other than effort on the boards, but he’s a tenacious defender who will push his new teammates in practice and training camp.
Green will be beneficial to players like Jaden Ivey and Marcus Sasser, who need to be pushed defensively and will have to rise to the effort Green brings on that end. Steel sharpens steel and I love the idea of having another defensive ace who will fit perfectly into the culture the Pistons are building.
Green may not provide huge minutes on the court, but he’ll be a valuable asset who pushes his teammates and leaves the Pistons with plenty of options and flexibility.
Javonte Green provides insurance and flexibility
Green is another great signing for Trajan Langdon, as he’s on a one-year deal that doesn’t represent any real financial obligation.
These types of contracts are key when making big trades, as they can be moved without the other team having to take on extra years. The Pistons have maintained flexibility with short-term contracts for guys like Tobias Harris and Duncan Robinson and now they have another expiring deal to potentially stack to match a big contract.
If the Pistons were to trade for a player like Lauri Markkanen (for example), they would need $46 million in contracts to send back to make the deal work financially, so having multiple expiring deals is crucial.
Green also offers some insurance against an injury to one of the wings and could potentially push Marcus Sasser out of the rotation completely and out of the Pistons’ long-term plans. We know JB Bickerstaff will ultimately prioritize defense and Green is a better defender than Sasser who has also shown some shooting ability.
He hit 35 percent of his 3-point shots in 50 games for the Pelicans last season on a career-high 2.2 attempts per game. If those shooting numbers are real, Green may end up stealing those fringe minutes open behind the 9-man rotation.
There is no downside to signing Green, and his addition will also have behind-the-scenes benefits to the Pistons while also providing some much-needed depth and competition for the back end of the rotation.
Trajan Langdon has done well to avoid bad contracts and continues with a no-risk signing of Javonte Green.