Dallas Mavericks: Josh Green will be one of the steals of the 2020 draft
By Tyler Watts
![Dallas Mavericks Josh Green (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) Dallas Mavericks Josh Green (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/https-3A-2F-2Fthesmokingcuban-com-2Fwp-content-2Fuploads-2Fgetty-images-2F2017-2F07-2F1200432079-850x560-87c300265a2fbd55e875e0d54489d2c4.jpg)
Dallas Mavericks: Josh Green will go down as one of the steals of the 2020 NBA Draft
The Dallas Mavericks selected Josh Green at 18 overall in the 2020 NBA Draft. Many were surprised the team kept the pick. The Mavs want to contend for a title in 2021 and trading their first-rounder for a veteran seemed to fit that mold. Instead, Dallas kept it, and fans are starting to see why.
Green has run with the second unit in both preseason games so far. Mavericks coach Rick Carlisle opted for hockey-style line changes in the first game before mixing the units in the second outing. The Mavs outscored the Bucks by 16 points with Green on the floor in game one as the rookie showcased a versatile skill set. Things were even better in the encore.
Let us take a look at some of his highlights, plus what Carlisle had to say about the rookie to prove that Green is going to be one of the steals of the 2020 NBA Draft.
More. How Josh Green fits next to Luka Doncic
Dallas Mavericks wing Josh Green will be one of the steals of the 2020 NBA Draft
Before the Mavs second preseason game, Carlisle had this to say about Green.
"“He don’t say nothing. He just plays hard, and he’s got a great background of fundamentals. He’s had terrific coaching. He understands the reads of the game from a spacing standpoint, when to space, when to spot, when to cut, when to drive, when to catch and drive, and when to fake and drive. He’s really beyond his years in terms of his grasp of today’s NBA game. Real smart, he gets things the first time.”"
Carlisle then discussed the challenges young players are facing without summer league before following up with this.
"“He’s been terrific. Right now, he is not going to put up gaudy stats, but he is going to do the basics extremely well, and he’s going to be a guy that fights people defensively.”"
The Mavs selected him because of his 3-and-D potential. Green defends well at the point of attack and has a high basketball IQ. His offensive game has been impressive early on too.
Next: Offense