Jeff Green On Next Season: "I Have To Be More Assertive, More Aggressive"

In an exclusive interview with Molly McGrath at Celtics.com, Jeff Green opens up about life after open heart surgery and expectations for next season.

Exclusive Interview with Jeff Green (via bostonceltics)

One question of note really caught my eye. Molly McGrath asked him about the perception of him as a passive player whether it was during his time in OKC with Durant, Westbrook, and Harden or his brief stint with The Big Three and Rondo:

MM: Your agent had said that in your first four years in the NBA, you were too selfless and you weren't aggressive enough, so coming back, especially after all this, is that affecting you and your approach to the game?

JG: No, I'll still be the same player, but I think my outlook on the time I have in this league has changed. I think I have to be more assertive, more aggressive, in different areas, not necessarily just scoring. I just have to change my outlook and my approach to the game. In that time that I had off, seeing certain spots on the floor where I could help really helped my mindset.

Coming off the bench--especially as the back up small forward and not at the 4--is really going to help JG in his return. He and Jason Terry are going to be the focal points to Doc's second unit and his all-around skill set will be called upon to create for his teammates. As a complimentary player, guys with Green's talent can be undervalued because critics will always say that anybody can put up 15 and 5 playing next to all stars. However this season, doing it off the bench as the go-to spark plug will prove JG's worth and cement his place as the heir apparent to Paul Pierce.

Watch the rest of the interview for his personal insight about how much the Celtics organization means to him and how much he's looking forward to prove himself as a Celtic. After news broke yesterday about his official signing, JG tweeted:

Been waiting to say this for a while... #iamaceltic

— jeff (@unclejeffgreen) August 23, 2012

I've been on the Jeff Green bandwagon since Day 1. Forget about what he brings to the court as a basketball player and what you might think about his new contract. The guy is just a good dude and I'm happy he's a Celtic.