Will Josh Green play for Australia in the 2023 FIBA World Cup?

The Dallas Mavericks had a disappointing season, but Josh Green was one of the few bright spots. He struggled to find a consistent role in his first two NBA seasons, and the 6’5 wing was played completely off the floor in the 2022 playoffs. Green spent the offseason working on his game, and he had a mini breakout in year three. The 22-year-old was part of the nightly rotation and continued to show flashes of his difference-making potential.

Green shot over 40 percent from 3-point range and showcased some playmaking ability. He plays with energy, but his contributions on the defensive end were inconsistent at best. Dallas is hoping the 22-year-old can become a modern 3-and-D wing with some secondary playmaking ability, but there is much work to be done before he gets there.

Green is a key piece for the Mavericks, and he is earning a similar role for the Australian National Team. The 6’5 wing was on their 2020 Olympic roster at the end of the bench as the Boomers defeated Luka Doncic and Slovenia for the bronze medal. Australia just released their preliminary roster for the 2023 FIBA World Cup, but will Green make the final cut?

Will Josh Green play for Australia in the 2023 FIBA World Cup?

The Mavericks wing was one of 18 players named to the Boomers' preliminary squad. Australia’s roster is headlined by Patty Mills and Joe Ingles. They have nine current NBA players and 11 with experience in the league on their squad that will have to be cut down to 12 before the World Cup in August. Australia will again put together another deep roster, and they will be looking to add to that Olympic bronze medal with some more hardware in September.

If Green wants to play, he will. The 22-year-old beat out Thunder future star Josh Giddey for the final roster spot in the 2021 Olympics, and both are key pieces of Australia’s next wave. The Boomers will want to put their most talented roster on the floor in the FIBA World Cup, and Green figures to play a key role on the wing if they are going to make noise in the event.

Ben Simmons was surprisingly left off of Australia’s roster, despite making it clear that he wants to play (subscription required) for his country in the World Cup. The 6’10 point forward could still be added to their squad, but he does not appear to be in consideration at this point.

Australia’s World Cup roster lacks size, but they will make up for it in heart. The Boomers have depth on the wing, and Green will be fighting for minutes during the team’s training camp. Joe Ingles, Matisse Thybulle, Dyson Daniels, and Dante Exum all figure to be in the running for wing playing time. Can Green beat out three of those four to become a starter?

It is a crucial summer for Josh Green and the Dallas Mavericks. The 6’5 wing must improve his defense, playmaking, and shooting if he wants additional playing time. The Mavs need to upgrade their roster around Luka Doncic. Neither will be easy, but stay tuned to see how it shakes out for both Green and the Mavs.