Today is the big day for Jeff Green, who was sidelined for the entire 2011-2012 season after doctors discovered an aortic aneurysm in his physical after signing a one-year extension with the Boston Celtics prior to the start of the season.
Green is scheduled to have heart surgery on Monday, Jaunary 9. Green did not pass the physical after re-signing with Boston and missed all of training camp, despite being present at some of the team's practices. However, the Celtics remained mum on Green's condition until they learned he would not return to the team this season.
As a result of Green's ailment, Celtics GM Danny Ainge withdrew the team's qualifying offer worth $9 million for one season, making Green an unrestricted free agent upon his return. Doctors expect Green to be able to play again after making a full recovery following this year.
Green was traded to the Celtics at the trade deadline last season in the deal that sent Kendrick Perkins to the Oklahoma City Thunder. In 26 games in Boston, Green averaged 9.8 points and 3.8 rebounds. In the playoffs, Green averaged 7.3 points and 2.7 boards in nine games with the Celtics.
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