If Nikola Jokic sets the rules, Jeff Green may be in for a nasty awakening when he arrives at Ball Arena on Wednesday expecting to receive his NBA championship ring.

“He’s not getting it,” Jokic replied, his sarcasm worthy of Green. “… Yeah, he abandoned us, so good-bye. “There will be no ring.”

Jokic, of course, backed down a few seconds later. How could the Nuggets not pay tribute to Green on his first visit to Denver as a Houston Rocket? During the 2023 playoffs, the 37-year-old was part of Denver’s eight-man circle of trust and a critical element anytime a club pursuing its first championship needed a boost. Green invited the Nuggets to his Miami home for a team dinner after they lost Game 2 of the NBA Finals at home. It ended up being their silent rallying cry. They did not lose any more games.

Green, who has been teammates with Jokic for two years, stopped by the visiting locker room last Friday after the Nuggets lost to the Rockets.

“I think it will be great,” Jokic finally admitted when questioned about having Green in Denver for a ring handoff. “Jeff was a big factor of our chemistry, of our culture, of our championship.”

The Nuggets (12-6) hoped to keep Green this offseason, but he signed with Houston on July 1 for a one-year, $6 million contract, which Denver was unable to offer due to the salary cap implications of winning a championship.

“It’s very difficult to leave, especially after what we did last year,” Green said last week in Houston. “You form a bond, and that bond lasts forever.” And it’s difficult to turn away from the bonds that we formed last year as a result of our voyage. However, at the end of the day, it is a company. In the end, you must make decisions for yourself and your family. That’s exactly what occurred. But there’s no malice intended toward anyone over there (with the Nuggets).

“As an older player in this league, you understand the factors that influence a decision. But the relationships I formed last year will remain solid and near to my heart because of what we accomplished. It was a memorable occasion.”

At this stage of a journeyman’s career, salary is generally an important factor in decision-making. Experience provides perspective on life after basketball, as well as the realization that NBA contract prospects are limited.

Green’s value as a free agent was boosted by his role on a championship team, and the Rockets were an obvious fit. He’s been a wonderful addition to a young core that was previously lacking in guiding wisdom. They’ve opened the season 8-6, with two wins over Denver, one of which eliminated the Nuggets from the in-season tournament. Green averages 5.9 points and 2.5 rebounds off the bench.

“I wish Jeff was still wearing a Nuggets uniform,” Michael Malone stated prior to the second of those defeats. Green exploded for 13 fourth-quarter points in a close contest in the first.

“He had a huge impact on our team on and off the court, as well as in the locker room.” Outstanding leader, and the example he provided every day as a veteran was outstanding. However, this is the NBA, and change is unavoidable. Yes, it’s fantastic to see him, but I’m praying he doesn’t have the same game he had last time.”

Green has been exceptionally resistant to change. The Nuggets were his 11th NBA team — 12th if the Seattle Supersonics and Oklahoma City Thunder are counted individually — and this is his second time in Houston.

However, with the prior ten, he had never won a championship. His first ring will be presented to him on Wednesday night. He had previously lost a postseason series with seven different teams.

In retrospect, the veteran has a unique perspective on the events that shaped Denver.

“There isn’t one standout moment,” Green stated. “You accept the entire journey.” You don’t rely solely on moments. The ups and downs that we experienced helped to shape the team that we had at the end, which enabled us to win. You accept all of the ups and downs. The setbacks. The difficult periods, the losing streaks. Because it helped us develop the character we needed to be stronger. “I treasure the entire year.”