Josh Green Reclaims Spotlight, Delivers Defensive Spark for Charlotte Hornets
The recent season debut for Josh Green has been nothing short of a revelation for the Charlotte Hornets. After facing skepticism from fans during his initial campaign with the team, the Aussie swingman has made significant strides, showcasing his defensive capabilities and reigniting hopes for a team that had a rocky start.
A Season of Growth with the Mavericks
Last year, Green emerged as a pivotal player for the Dallas Mavericks, playing a crucial role in their journey to the 2024 NBA Finals. Within the Mavs’ Luka Doncic-centric system, he thrived as an off-ball specialist. His shooting statistics were impressive, with Green connecting on 39% of his three-point attempts and finishing 71% of his shots at the rim, many of which came from assists. His ability to staunchly defend the point of attack made him an invaluable asset.
Upon his trade to Charlotte, expectations were high. He was brought in to complement LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller, allowing the team’s star scorers to face less daunting defensive matchups. Unfortunately, injuries to both Ball and Miller forced Green into a more prominent role than anticipated. Instead of the easy scoring opportunities he had grown accustomed to, Green found himself thrust into the spotlight, often becoming the focal point of the Hornets’ offense.
Struggles Amidst Injuries
In an ideal scenario, Green would have slotted seamlessly into a supportive role alongside Ball and Miller. When the three shared the court, Charlotte demonstrated a potent offensive synergy, outscoring opponents by 4.8 points per 100 possessions. However, in the absence of the stars, Charlotte’s performance dipped significantly. With Green on the floor and both Ball and Miller sidelined, the team was outscored by 11.8 points per 100 possessions, highlighting the struggle to maintain offensive efficiency without their primary creators.
The contrast in performance clearly illustrated the impact of having a robust supporting cast. As talented as players like Vasilije Micic, Nick Smith Jr., Damion Baugh, and Seth Curry are, they could not replicate the offensive gravity that Ball and Miller provided.
A Fresh Start and New Opportunities
As the Hornets look to turn the page on a challenging start to the season, Green’s return offers a glimmer of hope. Despite LaMelo Ball being unavailable for the upcoming game, the presence of Kon Knueppel and Miller, alongside Miles Bridges, creates a favorable environment for Green. The ability of these players to create shots not only for themselves but also for others should allow Green to find open looks.
Last season, Green’s shooting from beyond the arc was impressive, especially from the corners, where he hit 41%. Given the Hornets’ offensive strategy, which emphasizes corner threes—ranking ninth in the league—Green is poised to capitalize on the space created by his teammates.
Defensive Prowess Takes Center Stage
While any offensive contribution Green provides will be a bonus, his true value lies in his defensive expertise. Known for his physicality on the perimeter, Green’s defensive skills are unmatched on the current roster, save for Sion James. Though he may initially come off the bench, he is expected to make an immediate impact by guarding the opposition’s primary ball handler, thus allowing his teammates to adopt less taxing defensive roles.
While Green alone cannot rectify the Hornets’ 24th-ranked defense, he brings a much-needed edge. Last season, he ranked second on the team in steal percentage, at 1.7%, highlighting his potential for creating turnovers and igniting fast breaks. With Green’s tenacity and quick hands, the Hornets will benefit from additional defensive opportunities, crucial for a team striving to improve.
As the Hornets embark on the next chapter of their season, Josh Green’s resurgence could be the spark they need to shift their fortunes. His blend of defensive skills and newfound offensive opportunities may just be the recipe for rejuvenating Charlotte’s aspirations.
