Josh Green #10 of the Charlotte Hornets dunks the ball during the second half of a basketball game against the Dallas Mavericks (Photo by David Jensen/Getty Images)
After being traded by the Dallas Mavericks shortly after last year’s NBA Finals, Josh Green has embraced his new role with the Charlotte Hornets. Despite the team’s 12-33 record, there’s optimism about its future as it navigates a rebuild.
Green, averaging 7.5 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 1.4 assists, has found a rhythm lately with three consecutive double-figure scoring performances. He’s playing a career-high 28.2 minutes per game in Charlotte, often earning starts on the wing.
“I think I still stick with that—young, playing fast, still learning each other,” Green told RG. “But I think we have a very talented team. We battle hard, compete every game, and we just need to continue to do that and have each other's back.”
Selected 18th overall in the 2020 NBA Draft, Green is thankful for his four seasons with the Mavericks to begin his career. He credits his former team for helping him learn how to make a positive impact on the court—a mindset that he’s brought with him to the Hornets.
“A little bit of everything. When I first came to Dallas, I had to find a way to make an impact and get on the court, and I’ve kept that mindset.”
One element of Green’s game that has grown significantly over the past few years is his shooting efficiency. He’s converting from deep at a career-best 42.0% clip while taking a career-most 3.6 attempts per game. When looking at his previous three seasons, he’s shot 39.9% from the perimeter on a total of 504 attempts.
“I’m also continuing to work on my shot and making sure it stays consistent,” Green added.
The lasting takeaway Green made from the Mavericks’ run to the Finals was that every possession holds such a significant weight in the postseason. It was his first run as an integral member of the rotation after falling out of favor during the team’s run to the Western Conference Finals in 2022 early in his career.
“Every possession matters. It’s about understanding the little steps it takes to become a Finals or playoff team. It’s a long process, and it doesn’t just happen overnight.”
Few players embrace doing the dirty work on both ends while rarely having plays run for them like Green. With the Hornets, he’s embraced challenging defensive assignments, even mentioning that he’s taken them personally.
“I just think it's about making defensive assignments, trying to take those personally going into this year,” Green told RG.
While transitioning to a new team, Green has appreciated the Hornets’ coaching staff under head coach Charles Lee for making it simple. The coaches bring passionate energy daily with genuine care to help their players develop.
“I think it's just their willingness to teach and help develop players,” Green said. “They’re so invested in the games, and it’s fun to be around a group of passionate guys that really care about you.”
On a new team without Luka Doncic as the primary scorer and playmaker, Green has adjusted to a different cadence. LaMelo Ball is the main engine whose lead he’s following in Charlotte.
“Offensively, I’ve been working on trying to find my rhythm on this team—driving and whatnot,” Green said. “But really, it’s been a little bit of everything I’ve been trying to work on.”
While Green has only played 30 games with Ball thus far, it didn’t take long for him to be impressed with the rising star guard’s talent. Ball was described as “very fluent,” making the game easier for everyone on the court alongside him.
“He reads the game so well at a young age,” Green said of Ball. “He’s a very fluent, confident guard, and it’s fun to play with him. He plays with supreme confidence, trusts his teammates, and makes the game easier for everyone around him.”
After playing next to another elite passer in Doncic, Green sees a similarity in how Ball is patient when attacking. The defense is forced to commit and react as the play develops, creating opportunities for Doncic or Ball to exploit masterfully.
Looking ahead, Green believes in the potential of his Hornets squad. He emphasized their need to continue to play fast and leverage their energy as a younger squad. He sees a high ceiling as long as they remain confident in each other and play with trust.
“Just continuing to play in transition—we’re a young team, and I think that works in our favor,” Green expressed. “Also, staying confident and trusting each other.”
As he settles in, Green feels poised to elevate his game further with the Hornets. He left his Mavericks tenure with great experiences and lessons he can take as he continues his NBA career.
Grant Afseth is a Dallas-based basketball writer with over eight years of experience covering the NBA. He’s spent time on the Mavericks beat for Sports Illustrated and now writes for Sportskeeda.com and DallasHoopsJournal.com. Known for his analysis, engaging interviews, and breaking news coverage, Grant provides a fresh angle to the game.
