Dallas Mavericks: Will Josh Green go down as a draft bust?

What has kept Dallas Mavericks rookie Josh Green from earning minutes?

Some fans think Mavs coach Rick Carlisle just refuses to play rookies, but that narrative is untrue. Luka Doncic started all 72 games he played in as a rookie and averaged 32.2 minutes per game. Jalen Brunson played 21.8 minutes a night in his first year and started 38 games. There are other examples too. So after writing that off, why has Green not played more?

The jump shot is just not where it needs to be right now. The 6’5 wing is three of 18 from 3-point range on the season. Green hit just three of 17 in his six games in the G League bubble too. Luka Doncic is going to have the ball in his hands. The Mavericks struggle playing anyone that cannot space the floor or be a roll man for their superstar. Green fits neither role.

The 20-year-old is also on the outside of the regular rotation because he is not contributing to winning. After the Mavericks difficult COVID stretch, they needed every victory to get back in the Western Conference playoff race. They currently sit sixth and are clawing their way to avoiding the play-in tournament. Playing a rookie that is still getting his feet wet in the league could cost Dallas a crucial game in the standings.

Next: Going forward