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Jeff Green could have been this generation’s Reggie Lewis, a burgeoning Celtics star cut down by a heart ailment, but that horrifying scenario didn’t play out – thankfully, thankfully.  Green is healthy, as far as we know, even though he has yet to ink his new contract, and the plan is for him to be an integral part of the Celtics’ future state.  Gotta love that, baby.  Green received his degree from Georgetown University this spring, and you gotta love that, too.  The young man brings it on multiple levels, intellectually and physically, and his low-key attitude will fit perfectly in the Celtics’ locker room.

Props to you, Mr. Green.  We need you – but, more than that, we’re just thankful that you’re alive and well.  Could have gone in an entirely different direction.  The heart condition could have gone undetected and you could have died on the court, struck down, taken from those you love far too soon.  Now you have a second chance, a new lease on life, and it’s up to you to make the most of it. Glad you’re doing it in Boston.

Celtics fans didn’t see the best of you after that Perkins trade.  You weren’t comfortable from the get-go, just couldn’t find your groove.  Hard to do when you join a locker room with guys like Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce in effect.  Dominant dudes, not doubt, and then there was the actual flow on the court.  Hard to find your niche when you’ve got an established rotation, even when you’re 6’9″ and as versatile as all get-out.  And then you see Nenad Krstic fit right in, and even though it’s because Perk’s gone you can help but feel like things just aren’t working out.

Well, all of that is gone.  In the rear view mirror.  We’ve got to get you signed and in the mix.  Big plans for you this year, Cinderella Man.  You’ve got exactly what the Celtics need this time around.  Pierce is older, his skills slowly eroding, and it’s clear he just ain’t what he used to be.  Don’t need to author the Pythagorean Theorem to know that.  The Truth is in need of help, someone to spell him during an 82-game grind.  You’re perfect for the job.  You can come in and the offense won’t take a hit.  You’ve got young legs, and you’re dripping versatility.  We need that.  Pierce is going to benefit from having you behind him.  Doc is going to find ways to take advantage of your virtuoso talents.  It’s going to be good, just you wait and see.

And the best part?  You can go out and play this game with a whole new level of freedom, because the pressure that comes with a basketball game pales in comparison to what you’ve been through health-wise.  You can just go out there and play, and let everything else go.  That has to be an awesome feeling.

Can’t wait to see you in action, Mr. Green.