4 Young players the Mavericks should develop, 2 to give up on
By Tyler Watts
![Dallas Mavericks, Jaden Hardy Dallas Mavericks, Jaden Hardy](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,w_6332,h_3561,x_0,y_0/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images/ImagnImages/mmsport/83/01h6pmcqk82atnem3w8s.jpg)
Develop: Josh Green
Green was the 18th overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft, and it was a slow start. He barely played in Rick Carlisle’s final year as head coach, and the pandemic limited his opportunities in the G League. Green got more run in year two, but he was teetering on bust status before an offseason of work helped him become part of the nightly rotation.
The 6’5 wing averaged 9.1 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 1.7 assists in 25.7 minutes per game last season, and he is hoping to build on that in year four. The 22-year-old brings energy and has shown some playmaking ability. His jumper continues to improve, and the Mavericks are hoping some added confidence leads to more 3-point attempts.
The Dallas Mavericks were hoping they could transform Josh Green into a modern 3-and-D wing. Someone that can shoot, defend multiple positions, and handle the ball in a pinch. His defense needs improvement both on and off the ball, but the other aspects of his game are coming along nicely.
The Mavs need to extend Green’s contract and focus on getting the best out of him. The 6’5 wing is a key part of their rotation. They need young players that can grow alongside Luka Doncic if they want to be title contenders for years to come. Locking Green in now should come at a discount, and that too could be massive as they try to build out their roster.