What should Dallas Mavericks fans expect from Josh Green next season?

The Dallas Mavericks drafted Josh Green with the 18th overall pick in 2020, and he was quickly labeled as a bust after playing just 445 minutes as a rookie. Mavs fans wanted the team to select Desmond Bane or Saddiq Bey, so their All-Rookie selections made Green's struggles sting even worse.

The expectations were dropped to zero heading into year two, but Green improved under first-year head coach Jason Kidd. He played his way into the rotation and showed plenty of flashes during the regular season. The 21-year-old was in the rotation in the first round of playoffs, but the Jazz played him off the floor by sagging off and forcing Green to make them pay. His jumpers did not fall, and his playmaking ability was not enough to keep him on the floor.

The postseason struggles motivated Green as he began training at Impact Basketball just days after the Mavericks were eliminated by the Warriors in the conference finals. The 6’5 wing has been locked in all summer as he looks to improve his game, but what should fans expect?

What should Dallas Mavericks fans expect from Josh Green next season?

Green’s training at Impact Basketball explains why he did not play in the Las Vegas Summer League. The results of their program speak for themselves with Kevin Garnett and Kyle Lowry both having breakout seasons after an offseason spent training at Impact. Green has already spent more than one-month training in Vegas, and he plans to do more before training camp begins.

Here is a closer look at what he is working on, and what Dallas Mavericks should expect from Josh Green in his third NBA season.

What has Dallas Mavericks wing Josh Green been working on at Impact Basketball?

Joe Abunassar and his staff have created a plan for Green to improve his game, and they want him to work on the things he will be asked to do for the Mavericks next season. Abunassar had this to say about what Green is focusing on so far.

"The first month, we really just worked on ball-handling, finishing, and getting him more efficient."

The head of Impact Basketball also noted they are working on his 3-point shooting and attacking the rim at angles. Part of their program is getting in peak physical form, so Green is eating right and working hard on his craft.

In the piece, Green talks about a flaw in his shooting mechanics they found and corrected. He also notes his lack of confidence in dribbling the ball last season. His jump shot mechanics and form look better than ever during his training sessions at Impact.

There has also been an uptick in the 21-year-old wing’s confidence after his work with Impact Basketball. Nobody has ever questioned Green’s talent, but he has struggled in part because he has been hesitant on the court.

Improvement in his shooting, ball-handling, and playmaking coupled with an uptick in confidence could be the recipe for a breakout year from Josh Green, but what should MFFLs expect from the 6’5 wing during the 2022-2023 season?

What should Dallas Mavericks fans expect from Josh Green this season?

It is easy to write off an NBA prospect too quickly. Green has two years of experience already, and he is three months younger than the 2022 fourth overall pick Keegan Murray. Imagine the hype, if Green spent two more years in the NCAA. He is only 21 years old with plenty of room to grow.

Mavericks fans should expect improvements from Josh Green. His jumper will be better, and he continues to put in the work every day. Should they expect him to become a superstar? No, but Joe Abunassar made it clear that he believes the 21-year-old can be a starter in the NBA on a successful team for years to come.

Green may not be quite ready for that yet, but his defense was already NBA-ready. The 6’5 wing needed to improve his offensive game to stay on the floor. Becoming a league-average 3-point shooter would do the trick. The Mavs are light on ball-handlers, so Green could be asked to assume more responsibilities there.

Dallas entered the offseason wanting to find another 3-and-D wing to complement Dorian Finney-Smith and Reggie Bullock. Could Green fill that role next season? The Mavericks would be ecstatic if the 21-year-old does just that. Josh Green put in the work, and fans will have to wait to see the results, but it is something worth watching closely during training camp.