NBA

Nets sign forward Green

DALLAS — Gerald Green is not the same kid who came out of high school in 2005 when he was a first-round pick of Boston.

But he has the same type of athleticism and explosiveness so the Nets took a low risk, high reward gamble and yesterday signed the 6-foot-8 forward to a 10-day contract.

“Once I came out of high school, I was a little immature. I didn’t know any better. I didn’t know how to be a professional,” said Green, who joined the team in time to practice at SMU yesterday. “I’m a totally different individual.”

Coach Avery Johnson conducted a two-forward workout last week in Houston and was impressed by Green, who can help at the Nets’ injury decimated small forward spot. Green impressed — and that impression improved when he was the MVP of the NBA D-League All-Star Game in Orlando over the weekend.

The 2007 NBA Slam Dunk champ, Green has played with Boston, Minnesota, Houston and Dallas and was waived this pre-season by the Lakers.

Talent and skill never were Green’s problems and the Nets are betting Green will embrace his latest opportunity. If not, it’s only 10 days. Green replaced Andre Emmett, whose 10-day expired just before the break.

Johnson said Green “absolutely” will play tonight, a minimum of 12 minutes.

“He looked pretty good. He’s in shape and he’s pretty explosive,” Johnson said.