12-Year NBA Veteran Signs In Puerto Rico

Out of the NBA now for three seasons, and after a retirement that lasted less than three months, 12-year NBA veteran Gerald Green is taking his talents to Puerto Rico. The team, Gigantes de Carolina, made the announcement on Instagram. 

Green was last seen in the NBA with the Houston Rockets in the 2018-19 season, averaging 9 points and 2.5 rebounds, close to his overall career numbers. 

He sat out the following season with a foot injury, and announced his retirement in October of 2021 to join the Rockets coaching staff. 

But less than three months later, in January of this year, Green came out of retirement, and joined the Rockets' affiliate, Rio Grande Valley Vipers of the G League. He averaged 18.5 points, 5.2 rebounds and 2.0 assists in 20 games this season, playing nearly 30 minutes a game. 

Convinced he can still play, and no offers forthcoming from an NBA team, Green has signed on in Puerto Rico. He previously went overseas from 2009 through 2011, playing professionally in Russia.

The 36-year-old played for 8 different teams in his 12-year NBA career, including the Boston Celtics, Minnesota Timberwolves, Dallas Mavericks, New Jersey Nets, Indiana Pacers, Phoenix Suns and Miami Heat, in addition to the Rockets. 

Photo Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports