In an interview with SLAM, Gerald Green talks about the road back to the NBA and how blessed he feels that the Nets took a chance on him (when others wouldn't) and gave him the security of a guaranteed contract this month.

"God has blessed me with a second chance," Green said of his time with the Nets, who are feeling a bit blessed as well.

Green talked a lot about his journey back, from the Russian and Chinese leagues, where he made good money but got no exposure, to the D-League, where the situation was reversed. He notes staying with the D-League was a challenge but one that speaks to his new maturity.

"I think I use my brain more instead of just trying to use my athleticism. I think I’m a lot smarter than I was when I came into the league," said the Nets' swingman.

• Q+A: Gerald Green - Tracy Weissenberg - SLAM
• Kicks: Gerald Green On His Jordan XI Concords - SLAM
• New Jersey Nets' Gerald Green: Taking Advantage of the NBA Stage - Elisa Hernandez - Lakers Nation