10
Nov
4 min read
Aussies in the NBA: Josh Green
Josh Green #10 of the Charlotte Hornets poses for a portrait during Charlotte Hornets Media Day at Spectrum Center on September 30, 2024 in Charlotte, North Carolina. Photo: Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
Josh Green plays for the Charlotte Hornets in the NBA
Aussies in the NBA: Josh Green - Rising Star Shines for Hornets After Dallas Success
- Bronze medal winner at 2020 Tokyo Olympics with Australian national team
- Career-high 29 points in a single NBA game (February 2023)
- Part of historic six-team trade to Charlotte Hornets in 2024
Josh Green, a versatile Australian guard, has quickly established himself as an exciting NBA talent, showcasing his skills for both the Dallas Mavericks and Charlotte Hornets.
Key Details
Name: Josh Green
Age: 23
Team(s): Charlotte Hornets (2024-current), Dallas Mavericks (2020-2024)
Position: Shooting guard / Small forward
Size: 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m)
Weight: 200 lb (91 kg)
Playing style
Josh Green's playing style is characterised by his exceptional athleticism, defensive prowess, and improving offensive game. His quick feet and long wingspan make him a formidable perimeter defender, capable of guarding multiple positions. Green's lateral quickness allows him to stay in front of even the quickest opponents, while his strength enables him to battle with larger players when switched onto forwards.
Offensively, Green has shown steady improvement since entering the league. Initially known more for his slashing ability and transition play, he has worked diligently on his outside shooting. His three-point percentage has risen each season, making him a more well-rounded offensive threat. Green's playmaking abilities have also come to the fore, particularly during his time with the Mavericks, where he demonstrated an aptitude for finding open teammates and making smart decisions with the ball.
Career
Josh Green's journey to the NBA began in Sydney, Australia, where he excelled in multiple sports before focusing on basketball. After moving to the United States as a teenager, Green quickly rose through the ranks of high school basketball, eventually becoming a five-star recruit and McDonald's All-American. His single season at the University of Arizona showcased his potential, leading to his selection as the 18th overall pick in the 2020 NBA draft by the Dallas Mavericks.
Green's rookie season with the Mavericks was one of adjustment and learning. While his playing time was limited, he showed flashes of the defensive intensity and athleticism that made him a first-round pick. The 2021-22 season saw Green take on a larger role, particularly in the playoffs where he contributed to the Mavericks' run to the Western Conference Finals.
The 2022-23 season marked a significant step forward for Green. He set career highs in several statistical categories, including a 29-point performance against the Utah Jazz in February 2023. This improvement led to the Mavericks signing Green to a three-year, $41 million extension in October 2023, demonstrating their faith in his continued development.
Green's final season with the Mavericks in 2023-24 saw him play a crucial role in their NBA Finals appearance. Although the team fell short against the Boston Celtics, Green's performances throughout the playoffs further cemented his status as a valuable two-way player.
In July 2024, Green was involved in a historic six-team trade that sent him to the Charlotte Hornets. This move represents a new chapter in Green's career, offering him the opportunity to take on an even larger role and potentially become a cornerstone player for the Hornets franchise.
Five Fast Facts
- Born in Sydney, Australia, Green excelled in nine different sports as a child before focusing on basketball.
- Attended the prestigious IMG Academy in Florida, leading them to a national championship and earning MVP honours in the title game.
- Played one season of college basketball at the University of Arizona before declaring for the NBA draft.
- Won a bronze medal with the Australian national team at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, Australia's first-ever Olympic medal in men's basketball.
- Was part of the largest trade in NBA history, a six-team deal that sent him from Dallas to Charlotte in 2024.
Career Highlights Timeline
2019: Named McDonald's All-American and led IMG Academy to national championship
2020: Selected 18th overall in the NBA draft by the Dallas Mavericks
2021: Made NBA playoff debut with the Mavericks
2022: Played key role in Mavericks' run to Western Conference Finals
2023: Scored career-high 29 points against Utah Jazz; signed 3-year, $41 million extension with Mavericks
2024: Played for the Australian Boomers at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris
2024: Reached NBA Finals with Mavericks; traded to Charlotte Hornets in historic six-team deal
Josh Green's ascent in the NBA has been marked by steady improvement and an ever-expanding role. His journey from Sydney's suburbs to the bright lights of the NBA showcases the global reach of basketball and Australia's growing impact on the sport. As he enters a new phase of his career with the Charlotte Hornets, Green's combination of defensive tenacity, improving offensive skills, and high basketball IQ position him as a player to watch in the coming years.
Green's success also serves as an inspiration for young Australian basketball players, proving that with talent, hard work, and dedication, the path from Australia to NBA stardom is achievable. As he continues to develop and refine his game, Josh Green has the potential to become one of the most impactful Australian players in NBA history, building on the legacy of those who came before him and paving the way for future generations of Aussie ballers.
