4 Mavericks players whose stock skyrocketed this preseason

2. Josh Green

The Dallas Mavericks' contract talks with fourth-year guard Josh Green are continuing into the final 24 hours, and Green put on a show and made a statement in Dallas' 114-104 preseason win over the Detroit Pistons on Friday night.

Green looked extremely confident in Dallas' win over Detroit, and he had his best game of the preseason by far as he finished with 22 points, three rebounds, two steals, and one block. He also shot 4-5 from downtown and his jumper looked much smoother than it did last season.

Green's play often depends on his aggressiveness and confidence, and he excelled in both of those areas in Dallas' preseason finale. He was getting to the basket and finishing around the rim, letting threes fly with confidence, and attacking off the dribble. If Green can keep this same confidence heading into the season, he will be indispensable for Dallas.

The Mavs need Green to have another jump in his game this season for the team to reach their full potential, and signs are pointing to him starting on the wing next to Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving.

Green plays excellent defense and will help take pressure off Irving and Doncic. Both players will be expending so much energy on offense, and Green's defensive ability and motor to pester guards and play tight perimeter defense will be vital.