7 Difference-makers the Utah Jazz signed past their prime

Rudy Gay, Utah Jazz Credit: Christopher Creveling-USA TODAY Sports
Rudy Gay, Utah Jazz Credit: Christopher Creveling-USA TODAY Sports
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Utah Jazz forward Jeff Green
Utah Jazz forward Jeff Green (Jeff Swinger-USA TODAY Sports)

Jeff Green (2019)

Just before the 2011-12 NBA season, Jeff Green was diagnosed with a heart condition that could not only have ended his career but his life. Thanks to doctors, Green’s condition was caught at the right time and he was able to resume his NBA playing career during the 2012-13 season. Somewhat miraculously, Green was able to get back to form after finding his footing again with the Boston Celtics. Five teams and four years after his stint with the Celtics came to an end, Green signed a free-agent contract with the Utah Jazz during the 2019 offseason.

Unfortunately, Green’s attempt to find a consistent new home in the NBA came to a quick end. A couple of months into the season, the Jazz elected to waive Green. In the 30 games that he played in Utah during that season, Green averaged just eight points per game on a career-low 39 percent shooting from the field.

Green struggled to find his footing with the Jazz as he averaged a career-low 18 minutes per game. It quickly became apparent that the combination of the Jazz and Green wasn’t great.