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

What should Dallas Mavericks fans expect from Josh Green going forward?

It is way too soon to label Green a bust. He has struggled during his rookie season, but the 20-year-old is far from the first player to do that. Five-time All-Star Jimmy Butler averaged 2.6 points per game in 2012 as a 22-year-old rookie. It is frustrating because players selected after him after performing better, but growth is not linear in the NBA. Some talent takes more time to develop than others.

Green needs to turn the flashes into consistent production. He does not profile as a leading scorer. The 6’5 wing could be a stout defender, secondary creator, and transition nightmare. He needs to put those skills on display every night.

Green must improve his jump shot too. He will struggle to crack Rick Carlisle’s rotation until he is at least a passable shooter. The Mavericks have had success in this area. Both Dorian Finney-Smith and Maxi Kleber have made massive improvements in their 3-point shooting in recent years. Could Green be next on that list? He will need to get in the gym and make it a priority this offseason.

Josh Green is a talented rookie with immense upside. Expect the Dallas Mavericks to keep developing him. Stay tuned to see how it all shakes out.