Dallas Mavericks: Josh Green 2020 NBA Draft profile

Dallas Mavericks: Josh Green draft profile

Dallas Mavericks fans pleaded all year for a hard-nosed wing defender with the ability to shoot. To solve their desires, many supporters have already fallen in love with potential free agents such as Jerami Grant and Jae Crowder.

Unfortunately, from Deandre Jordan to Kemba Walker, Mavs fans are too familiar with missing out on their dream free agent acquisitions.

So if history repeats itself, what other options do the Mavericks have to fulfill their need for wing depth? The 2020 NBA Draft will be the perfect place to acquire affordable and high-quality players that the Mavs could use right away. Josh Green is one wing to specifically keep an eye on.

Dallas Mavericks should be eyeing Josh Green in 2020 NBA Draft

Green is a 6’6 and 206-pound wing coming out of the University of Arizona with a 6’10 wingspan. The 19-year-old grew up in Australia before attending the IMG Academy in Florida for high school.

This season, Green averaged 12.0 points, 4.6 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 1.5 steals in 30.9 minutes per game. The 19-year-old shot 42.4 percent from the field, 36.1 percent on his threes, and 78.0 percent from the free throw line.

Although the statistics tell a story, Josh Green produces much more than a box score can reveal. His versatility, athleticism, and offensive potential are some of the reasons why many teams consider him to be a first-round pick. The real question is if Green is available at 18, should the Dallas Mavericks draft him? Let us take a closer look at Green’s game and fit in Dallas.

Next: Strengths

Dallas Mavericks: Josh Green Strengths

Josh Green’s defense at Arizona made a massive impact and is a major reason why teams are considering him in the first round. He recorded a 93.3 defensive rating and a 4.1 defensive box plus-minus.

Green also measured well outside of the advanced defensive statistics. Green recorded 1.5 steals per game, while only picking up about 2.4 fouls per game. Playing defense and disrupting the passing lanes without fouling is a quality all coaches desire. Another key point is that Josh Greens’ 6’10 wingspan and other key measurables make teams confident that his defense will translate well to the NBA.

Pace and space is the name of the game today. In his first year in the NBA, Green will be ready to excel in the “pace” aspect. He runs the floor well in transition. The 19-year-old understands when to cut to the basket or fan out for the three. His overall finishing numbers were low, but his explosiveness in the open court should allow him to be a threat in transition.

Every NBA team wants to take care of the basketball and limit turnovers. While Green may not be the most explosive playmaker, he makes the “right” pass. During his lone season at Arizona, Green averaged 2.6 assists and 1.6 turnovers per game

Overall, Greens game is not polished or perfect by any means. Most players in the draft always have room to grow. Josh Green has the potential to become a solid rotation player similar to a taller version of Gary Harris or a leaner and more athletic version of Jae Crowder.

Next: Weaknesses

Dallas Mavericks: Josh Green Weaknesses

In college, Josh Green was visibly one of the most athletic players on the court, who appeared to be an incredible slasher. However, he shot less than 45 percent on two-point field goals. To make matter worse, Green connected on just 37 percent of 70 attempts at the rim excluding putbacks per The Stepien. In the NBA, Green will have opportunities to score, but his finishing could be the swing factor that determines his success.

Another point of caution for teams drafting Green is his shooting form. He connected on 36.1 percent from three this season, but Green tends to bring the ball down towards his waist and then moves it up toward his face before releasing. The team that drafts him may have to work with him on a more fluid and quicker shooting motion to ensure he can be a floor spacer at the next level.

Green also recorded a low usage rate of 20.7 percent. Part of the reason is that Arizona’s point guard Nico Mannion was trusted to control the offense.

Besides Mannion, Green still lacked the confidence or ability to utilize his left hand. He can drive left, but he tends to keep looking for a way to finish with his right hand instead. This will not be the end of the world because Green will not be asked to be a primary playmaker. Still, to improve his efficiency the 19-year-old must finish better with his left hand.

Next: Fit in Dallas

How does Josh Green fit on the Dallas Mavericks?

The Dallas Mavericks were one of the worst defensive teams to make the playoffs in 2020. This offseason, the Mavs need to improve there to become true contenders. Dallas also needs more playmaking, but adding both is going to cost them a lot of money.

Rookie contracts are a fantastic way for teams to add valuable talent without breaking the bank. Josh Green could address the Mavericks’ defensive needs.

The Mavs lack depth on the perimeter, especially since Justin Jackson and Delon Wright fell out of the rotation in the playoffs. To succeed in the NBA, wing player you need to be able to hit 3-pointers. Although Josh Green needs to improve his jumper, he has the tools to become a solid 3-and-D option for a contending team.

The Mavericks put up the best offensive rating in NBA history this season. Josh Green’s ability to run the floor and finish in transition would add another solid weapon for Luka Doncic and the Mavs.

Furthermore, every team to win a championship in the last five years has had tough defensive wings who could hit threes. Josh Green could become a Danny Green or JR Smith type player for the Mavericks.

If Josh Green is available at pick 18 in the 2020 NBA Draft, the Dallas Mavericks should strongly consider taking him. Although he may not be the most skilled player in the class, the 19-year-old has the tools to become a useful part of the rotation for the decade-plus.