An Up-and-down Life

In a span of 18 days last month Celtics rookie guard- forward Gerald Green, 20, was recalled from the NBA's developmental league, sent back down after six games with Boston, then recalled again after one game in the NBDL. Green, a first-round pick averaging 1.6 points and 4.6 minutes since returning to the NBA, reflects on a whirlwind month.

I'M BACK IN BOSTON! And I'm happy to be here, though my experience in Fayetteville [ N.C.] was extremely positive. I played every day, and in a way I rediscovered my game.

AS YOU MAY HAVE HEARD, I had a few issues my first week back. See, after being recalled by the Celtics, I left some valuables in Fayetteville that I needed to pick up. So I flew down on an off day, thinking I'd be back for practice the next day. My flights were a disaster: The flight down was delayed, and I was packed into one of those little planes that are a killer on my knees. I had problems getting to the airport for the flight back and missed that flight, then my second flight was delayed. The result was I missed practice, which didn't make Coach [Doc] Rivers happy. The media made it sound like a joke, wondering why I didn't just have the stuff shipped or have someone get it for me, but I didn't think it was funny. Stuff like that reflects poorly on me, and I don't want the organization to feel like they can't count on me.

MOVING BACK TO BOSTON otherwise was a smooth transition. I live with two friends from home [ Houston] in an apartment in Waltham, and when I'm not in town, they take care of things. I know people think the NBA lifestyle is glitz and glamour, but the truth is I almost never go out, and when I do it's usually to the bowling alley. Since I've been with the Celtics, I've only gone out in the city three or four times.

ONE OF MY FIRST GAMES back was against Phoenix, and I had the best game of my career [13 points, nine rebounds], and I felt more in the flow. I work hard to be prepared, so it was nice to see that work pays dividends. I don't know whether I'll be staying in Boston or sent back down, but whatever the decision is, I'll be ready.