Josh

Green

After four seasons in Dallas, Green was sent to Charlotte as part of a six-team trade headlined by Klay Thompson. And the move may net him a consistent role, with Boone opining that Green will be the choice to start next to LaMelo Ball this season. Green made 33 starts in Dallas last season, averaging 9.6 points, 3.8 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 0.9 steals in 30.1 minutes per game. Depending on the system run by new head coach Charles Lee, Green is one player who could benefit from an up-tempo style, especially if Ball can stay healthy, and his defensive versatility will help the Hornets on the perimeter. He isn’t a must-draft player, but Green is someone to watch in the latter rounds of drafts.

The full details of the deal haven’t been released, but it is clear that Green will be part of a Hornets team that is looking to be more successful after two straight lottery seasons. Green will have a chance to start, but even if he plays a reserve role, he will still see big minutes. His fantasy upside was limited in Dallas, but he may get the chance to have the ball in his hands more on a team that isn’t quite as centered around one or two ball handlers.

Thompson reportedly had four year offers that were worth more money, but he took a pay cut to try and win a championship with the Mavs. His departure will open up a starting spot that will likely be filled by second-year guard Brandin Podziemski, barring more moves by the Warriors. Thompson should fill out the starting forward spot opposite PJ Washington, which means that Naji Marshall will likely fill a reserve role behind them. Green will have a chance to see big minutes for the Hornets next season, though his fantasy upside will be limited. As part of the sign-and-trade, the Mavericks have sent two future second-round picks to the Warriors.

The change in designation and addition of the chest contusion injury so soon before tip-off is a bit alarming, especially considering Dallas is down 1-0 in the series. Doncic will surely do everything in his power to be available for this contest, but if he’s forced to sit out, expect Kyrie Irving to assume starting PG duties. One of Dante Exum, Jaden Hardy, Josh Green, or Tim Hardaway Jr. will take Doncic’s spot in the starting five.

THJ missed Game 3 after exiting early from Game 2. Josh Green ended up playing 25 minutes off the bench, while Dante Exum logged 12 minutes. With Hardaway Jr. expected to miss another game, both Green and Exum will play important roles off the bench.

THJ exited early from Game 2 after an awkward fall, and he will remain sidelined for Game 3. Josh Green should fill out his role off the bench, though he went scoreless in 14 minutes on Tuesday. Dante Exum should also take on some extra minutes.

Hardaway landed awkwardly after being bumped in mid-air by Paul George while attempting a 3-pointer. The play wasn’t malicious on George’s part, but Hardaway sprained his ankle and has since been ruled out for the rest of Game 2. Josh Green was the first perimeter sub off the bench in the third quarter, likely a sign that his minutes will be impacted the most by THJ’s absence.

Hardaway did not practice on Friday, hence his presence on the Mavericks’ initial injury report. Should he not play in Sunday’s series opener, fellow reserves Dante Exum and Josh Green would absorb the available minutes.

THJ wasn’t able to practice on Friday, but he should be with the team for Game 1. If he doesn’t end up suiting up, Dante Exum and Josh Green will likely see some extra minutes off the bench on the perimeter.

Exum will join Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving on the sidelined for the season finale, which will open up minutes for Josh Green, Jaden Hardy and A.J. Lawson. Exum has had an excellent bounce back season, and he will be an important piece for them in the playoffs.