Nikola Jokic made a jest earlier in the week, suggesting Jeff Green wouldn’t receive his championship ring due to his departure from the Denver Nuggets. However, in a twist of events during Green’s return to Denver on Wednesday, he departed without the coveted ring. Green attributed the mishap to a misunderstanding and took it in stride, given his long wait for a ring, mentioning that waiting another week was inconsequential. Nevertheless, a team media employee mentioned the delay was due to Green’s family being able to attend the next game between the two teams. Both parties confirmed the ring ceremony for Green will occur on December 8.
Interestingly, until the results of Tuesday’s In-Season Tournament were determined, the Nuggets could have potentially played any other team on the upcoming game day. Given that the Rockets’ sole planned visit and last scheduled match against the Nuggets was on Wednesday, this mistake could have deprived Green of the moment he had been eagerly awaiting for 37 years. He appeared prepared for the ceremony the previous night, evident in his choice of sporting stylish chrome Jordans.
Jeff Green was mobbed by his former Nuggets teammates after Denver's win vs. the Rockets 馃き
(via @AltitudeTV) pic.twitter.com/Pa8mQAYRSc
— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) November 30, 2023
“It was just a miscommunication, these things happen, you know,” Green explained. “The jeweler has the ring. I’m not sure about his travel plans, but perhaps he forgot to ship it. I’ve waited 17 years for this moment, so waiting another week isn’t stressing me out. I’m confident it’s here… I’ll have my moment to celebrate with everyone. This delay gives me the chance to have my family here and share in the joy.”
Ultimately, things turned out fine in the end…
In his return to Denver, Green contributed 12 points and made an impact in various aspects of the game during Denver’s 134-124 victory. This offseason, he signed a two-year contract with the Rockets, rejoining one of the 11 teams he’s played for in the past 15 years.
During his two years in Denver, Green played a significant role, participating in 156 games as a Nugget. As part of the team, he averaged nine points, 4.4 rebounds, and two assists per game, primarily playing as a power forward. Notably, he hosted a crucial dinner in South Florida before Game 3 of the NBA Finals after the Nuggets lost their first home game of the postseason. Following the gathering at Green’s house, Denver secured three consecutive victories to claim the championship.
“It’s quite challenging to leave, especially after what we accomplished last year,” Green shared with the Denver Post last week. “You form a bond, and that’s something enduring. The relationships that were forged last year through our journey, it’s tough to walk away from that. But ultimately, it’s a business. You have to make choices for yourself and your family, and that’s what happened. However, there’s no animosity towards anyone there.”
Both Jokic and Michael Malone warmly welcomed Green back, and Wednesday’s game concluded with a celebratory pile-on of Uncle Jeff by the Nuggets.
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