3-Time World Champ Close To Making Season Debut

Good news for the Memphis Grizzlies. After suffering a torn ACL in the 2022 playoffs, and eight months of gruelling rehab, former three-time NBA champion Danny Green is finally close to making his season debut. 

Danny Green is getting closer to making his Grizzlies debut. He started doing 5-on-5 work last week.
That’s usually an encouraging sign that a player is close to returning, but the Grizzlies will be careful with Green. They are confident in the progress his knee has made.

— Damichael Cole (@DamichaelC) January 13, 2023

As noted by Damichael Colein the Memphis Commercial Appeal, Green has started doing 5-on-5 work this past week, the last step toward a return. Last month, Green said his goal was to be back by the All-Star Break, and this week's developments suggest that's very possible. 

But whether or not Green will ever put on a Grizzlies uniform in game action is debatable. His expiring $10M contract has been mentioned as a desirable trade asset—even suggested by an NBA Insider as he sat beside Green on an ESPN broadcast. 

"If the Grizzlies are looking to upgrade, will they (make calls) about Danny Green and a draft pick?," asked Brian Windhorst as Green sat inches away from him. "I do think you'll be hearing your name, I'm sorry to say, in trade discussions."

Green is a three-time NBA champ (San Antonio Spurs, Toronto Raptors, Los Angeles Lakers), and his playoff experience would certainly be valuable for any team with title aspirations—even a team like the Grizzlies, perhaps. So it remains to be seen where the 13-year veteran suits up when his knee is good and ready.

Photo: Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports