The Denver Nuggets and JaMychal Green agreed to a two-year contract during the offseason, coming after Green's productive 2020-21 campaign with the team. Last season, Green's shooting made him an integral part of the Nuggets' wing depth, and he maintained that role in 2021-22.
Although Green's three-point shooting numbers took a dip in his second season with the Nuggets, he managed to increase his efficiency from inside the arc, while playing the strong perimeter defense that has been a staple of his eight-year career.
Green was also praised throughout the season for his leadership in the locker room. As one of the older players on the roster, Green brought a strong veteran presence to Denver, and was integral in keeping things together during harder periods of the season.
Green's Season Timeline
Like many Nuggets players this season, Green's role changed as the year progressed. When 2021-22 began, low shooting numbers from all phases limited him to under 15 minutes per night for the first 26 games.
But as injuries began to pile up -- especially along the wings with Michael Porter Jr. and PJ Dozier -- Green saw a bump in his minutes and his production.
After missing three games, Green had a strong stretch of 10 games from Dec. 22 to Jan. 11, when he shot 52.5% from the field, 35.3% from three, and 94.7% from the free throw line while starting three games.
He then entered the NBA's health and safety protocols, leading him to miss the Nuggets' next eight games. When he returned, he hit his stride as the team finally found him a more consistent role.
In the remaining two months of the season, Green was hugely productive from within the three-point line on offense. He also did an excellent job providing relief for Aaron Gordon and Jeff Green on defense, taking difficult wing assignments with the team continuing to fight for their postseason spot.
He averaged 18.0 minutes per game in the final 31 contests, hitting 53.8% of his field goals. Green's best game of the year came in a blowout win against the Portland Trail Blazers.
On Feb. 27, Green finished with 20 points, 10 rebounds, two steals, and a block on an incredibly efficient 7-of-8 from the field. The Nuggets defeated the Blazers by 32 points in that outing.
Facts and Figures
Green played in 67 games for the Nuggets in 2021-22, receiving a starting nod in eight of them. He received an average of 16.2 minutes per night, a slight decrease from his 2020-21 figure.
Defense and leadership were the defining features of Green's season, leaving an impact greater than what was seen on the stat sheet. Green was often a voice for the locker room, speaking publicly when issues arose.
He finished the year with 6.4 points and 4.2 rebounds per game on 48.6% from the field -- the third-best mark of his career -- 26.6% from three, and a career high 87.1% from the free throw line.
Among players with at least 20 games played, Green finished with the fourth-highest defensive box plus-minus. He also finished with the third-highest win shares per 48 minutes.