3 reasons why Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd must start key wing moving forward

Dallas Mavericks need defense: Josh Green is their best option on the wing

The Mavs desperately need someone to replace Dorian Finney-Smith. He was the team’s best perimeter defender and one of their top shooters. Reggie Bullock and Doe-Doe formed a strong defensive tandem that gave Dallas a fighting chance on that end of the floor, but Dallas was forced to send Finney-Smith to Brooklyn in the Kyrie Irving trade. The Mavericks must play better defense without him or it will be a quick playoff exit.

Josh Green has significantly more defensive upside than Justin Holiday. Sure, Holiday is a veteran that may make fewer mistakes, but he cannot guard LeBron James, Tyrese Haliburton, or James Harden. Green has the athleticism to stay with those superstar players and the effort to make something special happen on the occasional play.

The Mavericks won't be a defensive juggernaut, so they need to play their most skilled players. Luka Doncic, Kyrie Irving, Reggie Bullock, Maxi Kleber, and Green should be their closing lineup. Dwight Powell will continue to start over Kleber for a myriad of reasons, including the team’s desire to keep Kleber’s minutes in check, but that is the unquestioned finishing five in a close game.

Whenever Tim Hardaway Jr. gets red hot, there is a case to play him over Josh Green. If THJ is not sinking three after three, Dallas needs to stick with Josh Green. His versatile skill set gives the Mavericks the best chance to win both now and in the postseason.

Will Dallas Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd continue to start Josh Green? How many minutes does the 22-year-old play down the stretch? It is something to watch closely as the Mavs attempt to make a run.