The Pistons’ depth has been a huge advantage this season and Javonte Green has been one of the team’s unsung heroes. Along with other underrated bench players, he’s making his impact felt beyond the stat sheet. And the best part? He’s on one of the league’s cheapest contracts.
Javonte Green is the NBA’s ultimate bargain
Even though Green is a proven veteran, he signed with the Pistons for one year and just $2.8 million. The Pistons did well to pivot during the offseason and snag him for such a bargain. His fit with the team has been impeccable so far.
Green’s brilliance in his role has helped build the Pistons’ formidable bench. He’s been an elite defender with surprising offensive flashes. Although he only scores 7 points per game, he seems to get them at the biggest moments.
Against the Celtics, Green’s full value was on display. He had 5 crucial points in the fourth quarter - a spot-up three pointer and a dunk off a steal. It was a perfect representation of his 3-and-D slashing role.
But Green’s contributions go far beyond his points. He had a game-leading three steals and was disruptive on defense. Green is strong enough to bang with bigger wings in the post but also agile enough to defend quick guards out on the perimeter.
He’s got an excellent combination of veteran poise and sheer athletic ability too. Even at 32 years old, his athleticism still stands out on a spry Pistons team. But he’s less likely to make silly mistakes than the Pistons’ other lockdown athletic wings.
Against the Celtics, the Pistons chose to close the game with Green. He subbed in for Ausar Thompson after Thompson had multiple ineffective offensive possessions. Against an active zone defense, Thompson was neutralized into turnovers and blocked shots.
But Green was able to come in and confidently attack the Celtics defense as a shooter and slasher. Unlike the 22-year-old Thompson, he didn’t get sped up by the defensive pressure at all. Instead, he took advantage of the Celtics collapsing around Cade Cunningham to find his own openings.
At the same time, Green was able to approximate Thompson’s defensive impact. Of course, Thompson is one of the top defenders in the NBA with nearly unparalleled athletic ability. But Green was able to step into the same role effectively when called upon.
Javonte Green’s contributions against the Pistons just further proved his incredible contract value. He’s far outperformed his deal and it’s giving the Pistons a major advantage. Signing Green at such a low price point was arguably the Pistons’ biggest win of the summer.