What Memphis Grizzlies' Danny Green said after season debut following knee surgery

After being sidelined for more than eight months after knee surgery, Danny Green finally made his season debut for the Memphis Grizzlies on Wednesday.

Green, 35, checked in at the start of the second quarter at FedExForum. The 14-year veteran guard and three-time NBA champion received a nice applause from the crowd as he made his first appearance in a game since May 12 last year.

In 10 minutes, Green had three points and finished 1-of-4 shooting in the Grizzlies' 122-112 loss to the Portland Trail Blazers. All four of his shot attempts were 3-pointers and two shots were airballs, which wasn't surprising given his rust.

"It was good to get out there and be with the guys. Trying to figure out some things offensively and defensively. Try to build the chemistry," Green said. "It was fun. Obviously, would've been nice to win the game but for me it was good to get out and play a little bit."

Green was injured in Game 6 of last year's Eastern Conference semifinals while with the Philadelphia 76ers. Green tore both his anterior and lateral crucial ligaments in his left knee after center Joel Embiid tumbled into him.

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The Grizzlies traded for Green during last year's NBA Draft in a deal that included sending De'Anthony Melton to Philadelphia and acquiring David Roddy's draft rights. That night, general manager Zach Kleiman said "TBD", or to be determined, on Green's future with the team.

Since then, the Grizzlies have spoken highly of Green's presence as a veteran in the locker room. Green has also praised the Grizzlies for how they've handled his rehab process, and he broke the news of his return in January when he said on his podcast that he expected to return before the All-Star break.

With the NBA trade deadline next Thursday, Green's future will be watched closely. He's owed $10 million this season on an expiring contract, but he provides 3-point shooting and perimeter defense to a Grizzlies team struggling in both areas. He also wasn't worried about his name brought up in potential trade talks.

"I've been part of this business for 14 years now. It's expected. Nothing surprises me or shocks me. It's all a business at the end of the day so trades happen, they happen," Green said. "If they don't, control what I can control, that's what I do on the floor and what I do for these guys in this locker room."

Green averaged 5.9 points last season, his lowest total since his second season. However, his experience and shooting touch could help a young Grizzlies team looking to build on last year's second-round playoff exit.

For now, he was glad with a smooth re-entry back on the court. The first 3-pointer going down felt like a relief and he joked about getting the airballs out the way. But he's confident he joined a team with championship aspirations and he believes he can help the Grizzlies work to prove that in the second half of the season.

"It's a very good team, it's a good group," Green said. "We just got to first get healthy, stay healthy, mature a little bit. But I think we have a really good foundation and a good group that can get it done if we start clicking at the right time.

This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: What Danny Green said about his Memphis Grizzlies season debut