Green: Decision to join Nuggets a “no-brainer”

Don’t feel bad for journeyman Jeff Green.

The versatile forward, now on his 11th team in 14 seasons, doesn’t resent his winding journey which landed him in Denver this offseason. In fact, he relishes it.

“I wouldn’t trade it for the world,” he said at his introductory news conference Thursday. “It’s been a blessing.”

Green’s been teammates with Kevin Durant, Lebron James and Kevin Garnett. The opportunity to add reigning MVP Nikola Jokic to that list was among the reasons he agreed to a 2-year, $10 million deal with the Nuggets on the opening night of free agency.

Watching from afar — most recently with the Nets last season — Green took note of Jokic’s unselfish style and high IQ. He was also drawn to his ego.

“As low maintenance as you can get for an MVP,” said Green, who can also cite former MVPS James Harden, Russell Westbrook and Derrick Rose as prior teammates.

While Jokic was one component of his decision, when he sat down and consulted with his wife, Denver became an obvious match.

“I thought it was fitting,” he said. “The environment, the culture, the players, the coach, the atmosphere … the type of environment you look for in an orga

nization. It was a no-brainer. I felt like it could be a special season.”

Green has ample evidence that he’ll be able to thrive in Denver’s selfless culture. Current Nuggets Jamychal Green, Austin Rivers and Aaron Gordon are all among the more than 200 teammates Green has had in his career. While he didn’t consult them directly during free agency, he said he’s spoken to both Gordon and Rivers in the last few days. That Jamychal Green and Rivers decided to resign in Denver was also a tell.

“I know those guys,” he said. “I know their characteristics. … For them to resign, and for Aaron to be here, to be teammates again with them, I know it’s gonna be fun.”

In 68 games last season (38 starts), Green proved he still had plenty of tread left on his tires. He averaged 11 points and nearly four rebounds per game, coupled with a star-aided, career-high 41 percent from 3-point range. Perhaps the Jokic-murray-porter combo will alleviate similar pressure as the Durant-harden-irving one did in Brooklyn.

In Denver, Green isn’t likely to get many starting nods, but he could still own a significant role. Replacing both Paul Millsap and Javale Mcgee in the frontcourt, Green’s hybrid abilities should pair well with Jamychal Green and versatile sophomore Zeke Nnaji. All three can rotate up or down a defensive position, with none of them pigeonholed into a traditional power forward spot. And after the close to last season — when Nuggets coach Michael Malone struggled to find minutes for the three veteran big men — Denver chose to enter this season with a less crowded frontcourt.

Green didn’t indulge the upcoming scheme much, instead disclosing that Malone simply wanted him to play hard and have fun. That shouldn’t be hard given the commitment Denver made to him early in free agency.

“It does feel good to finally lock in something more than one year,” Green said with a smile.