There is a long list of players that NBA fans feel deserve a ring. From Carmelo Anthony to Chris Paul, and from Derrick Rose to Russell Westbrook, these guys have gotten close but never crossed the threshold. One such guy got to fulfill his dream this season. As the Nuggets dominated the Heat to a 4-1 Finals victory, cameras pointed at Jeff Green. Uncle Jeff, who recently acknowledged Kevin Garnett’s role in molding him, is finally an NBA Champion. In his 16th season, the timing couldn’t be sweeter. However, there was a time when people feared that Green would never play in the NBA again.

Thankfully, those doubts were put to rest, and today, along with Nikola Jokic and the Nuggets, Uncle Jeff can enjoy the sweet taste of becoming an NBA Champion. What had had the NBA world holding its breath for Uncle Jeff? Why were his days on an NBA court thought to be over?

Nikola Jokic and Co make a dream come true for Jeff Green

The year was 2011. Jeff Green delayed surgery before Christmas to have it in the new year. The questions in his mind were daunting, “Will I ever play again?” As doctors assured him that yes, he would indeed be able to play again if he had the surgery, the doubts lingered.

Uncle Jeff failed the preseason physical for the Boston Celtics. As a result, he wasn’t allowed to play in the 2011-2012 season. The cause? An aortic root aneurysm. If he proceeded without surgery, there were chances of him dying on the basketball court itself.

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However, the surgery was successful and completed just in the nick of time. As the surgeon detailed, Green’s artery had gotten paper-thin and the risk was higher than usual. Thankfully, Green was on the court the very next season.

Now, 10 years later, as Green reflects back on it, he’s thankful. “A lot of GMs, a lot of teams told me I wouldn’t even make it past five (years). To be here (at) 10, I’m just blessed, man. I’m thankful … and I’m glad they told me that.” 

As the Nuggets celebrate NBA history, fans were left in awe at Jeff’s tale.

Fans react to Jeff Green’s story

Understandably stunned, fans poured in their love and respect for Jeff. One fan wrote, “Never knew that that’s literally heartbreaking.” Amen to that. Another fan put into perspective how scary the prospect could be, “That has to be terrifying playing NBA games after heart surgery….sheshhhh.”

Fans were quick to point out how inspirational his story was too, “We all thought the heat were inspiring but look at how insuring the nuggets are too; you never really know everyone’s full story and the work they have to put in behind the scenes.” 

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Another fan was quick to acknowledge his tremendous spirit, commenting, “Heart of a champion.”

As fans noted, Green’s story is one of hard work and perseverance, of overcoming the toughest odds to reach your goal. As the Nuggets celebrate their first championship, it is surely an inspiring time!

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