3 things Mavericks guard Josh Green must improve to reach his ceiling

The Dallas Mavericks spent a top-20 draft choice on Josh Green in 2020 knowing he would take some time to develop. Green only spent one season playing for the Arizona Wildcats at the collegiate level. He averaged 12.0 points, 4.6 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 1.5 steals per game.

Despite these impressive all-around numbers for a freshman, Green lacked a true standout skill. He's a freakish athlete with an incredible motor, but competent NBA players are much more than that.

The former Wildcat got off to a slow start in the NBA. He only averaged 2.6 points per game during his rookie season and consistently looked lost on offense. In his sophomore season, Green only marginally improved. He averaged 4.8 points and 2.4 rebounds per game.

3 things Mavericks guard Josh Green must improve to reach his ceiling

This previous season, the Aussie finally began to scratch his sky-high potential. He averaged 9.1 points per game and shot above 50 percent from the floor and 40 percent from three. Green looked like a promising 3-and-D player in year three.

Despite the improvements, Green still has yet to reach his ceiling. As a matter of fact, he's nowhere close to his ceiling.

Not many players have the size, elite athleticism, or motor that Green possesses. These three traits equate to a fantastic defender, which is exactly what Green is at 22 years old.

Additionally, Green was extremely efficient on offense, as he shot 53.7 percent from the field and 40.2 percent from beyond the arc.

Green looks like the full package on offense and defense. But, he's still not an obvious candidate to start on the Mavericks roster. There are still areas where Green can improve.

Green has shown the ability to handle the ball and make plays, but he only averages 1.3 assists per game throughout his career. And, although he can, Green typically only makes plays in transition or by necessity.

That brings us to our next point. Assertiveness. Green has never looked extremely comfortable on offense. Although he's played with extreme efficiency, he's never been a player who looks to shoot.

And finally, Green's lack of shot creation can hurt the offense. He has the ability to score and his shot looks solid, yet not confident.

Green is due for a contract extension, and it seems as if he wants to stay in Dallas. Here are three things he must improve to reach his ceiling.

3. Playmaking

Something Green does very well is playmaking. But, he doesn't do it enough. Time and time again, Green wows with impressive passes to cutters or spot-up shooters.

The Australian wing has great vision and has shown the willingness to make tough passes. A season ago, he displayed the ability to contort his body and make passes that the typical NBA player couldn't make. Whether it be using his athleticism or length, Green showcased the aptness to pass over and between multiple defenders.

The theme of the entire article is the lack of Green's assertiveness, and this section is no different. Green has displayed sky-high potential in a limited setting. There's so much more he can do, including playmaking for others.

To maximize Green's playmaking abilities, allowing the forward to initiate multiple pick-and-rolls per game would help diversify the offense.

Green has the passing chops and the athleticism to hit open teammates and get to the rim after coming off an on-ball screen. Of course, Dallas rosters Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving who will typically pilot the offense, but Green can easily pilot the offense in a pinch and should be trusted in doing so.

Playmaking seems to come as second nature for Green. It would be intriguing to see Green take on more responsibility as a creator and lead ball handler.