Houston Rockets: Gerald Green could be slipping out of the rotation

The Houston Rockets roster is back to the state that it was originally intended after this past off season but it could cost a pivotal bench player some valuable minutes on the court.  Gerald Green’s role could be reduced as a result.  Here’s why.

For the Houston Rockets, there’s definitely some positive news coming out of 1510 Polk in regard to the health of this team.  For a moment there, this team was losing guys because of injury and they were dropping like flies.  It was a tough pill to swallow but the good thing about this roster is the resiliency of it and that they were able to weather the storm.

Over the course of the season, Chris Paul, Clint Capela, Luc Mbah a Moute as well as James Harden has missed time as a result of injuries sustained.  Typically in the past, if Harden were out of the lineup, it would be catastrophic to the offensive production of this team.

But you know what?  The team still managed to eke out a 4-3 record while he was out.  I wouldn’t necessarily it was “no Harden, no problem” but they were able to still get the job done without him for the most part.  The team is still perched near the top of the Western Conference with the 2nd-best record behind in the Golden State Warriors at 34-12.  This mark also is the third-best record in the Association.

However, with the good news that this team has been returning back to full health, one pivotal rotation player, Gerald Green, will be losing minutes as a result.  The shooting guard/small forward had been averaging 15.6 points and 26.5 minutes per through his first 10 games since signing with the team Dec. 28.  But after serving a two-game suspension for his role in what I’d like to call “Barge-Gate” back Dec. 15, he has been virtually a ghost at this moment.

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He did get about four minutes of action last night against the Dallas Mavericks but that’s about it.  It’s a far cry from the time he was previously getting.  With Harden returning as well as Green’s counterpart in Trevor Ariza — who had also been suspended for two games — there’s little room for Green in the rotation currently.

Here’s what Mike D’Antoni told the Chron’s Jonathan Feigen in regard to what he’s doing about Green’s playing status:

"“Just keep talking to him, tell him to stay ready,” D’Antoni said. “That’s his job. He’s in a great place. But I can’t upset five guys to appease one. I’d rather have one guy kind of out of it and four happy. I’ve got to keep a core that knows about their minutes. Now, whenever I can, I’ll play him. I won’t hesitate to play him. If somebody’s hurt or sick, he’ll play. Or if I can find time, I will.”More from House of HoustonAre you the 2021 FanSided Sports Fan of the Year?Houston Texans: 4 reasons Romeo Crennel is right coach right nowAstros-Twins Wild Card Series: 5 things to know as MLB postseason beginsHouston Texans: The Most Underrated Sports Drought EverHouston Texans: J.J. Watt’s early case for NFL Hall of Fame"

Feigen also noted that Green’s attitude about the whole situation has been “great” but that D’Antoni does worry about the reaction to the reduced role long-term.

Quite frankly, it’s unfortunate what’s happening with Green but he knew what he was getting into when he signed with the Houston Rockets.  I think he’ll weather the storm just fine as he knows he’s not the focal point of this team but he’s making an impact by doing whatever is asked.  It has been a pleasure to watch him with high-flying, acrobatic plays along with his defense and being able to put the ball in the hoop whenever needed.

Green has dramatically improved his three-point shooting over his career, having posted a 41 percent clip since joining the Houston Rockets.  His career average has typically hovered around 36.3 percent.

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But the time for Green is coming and we make our march through the season and into the playoffs, his role will be valuable and certainly deserves a roster spot at this moment.  He has done everything he has been asked to do as well as more.  But it sucks that he’s in this predicament.

But we shall see — go Rockets.