9

Dec

5 mins

Josh Green is a solid 3-and-D Hornets option

Written By

Peter Brown

basketball.com.au

Josh Green is a solid 3-and-D Hornets option
Josh Green is a solid 3-and-D Hornets option

Australian Boomers guard Josh Green is averaging 20 minutes per game for the Charlotte Hornets. Photo: Grant Halverson/Getty Images

Josh Green's solid start to 2024-25 season after 24 games

  • Points per game: 7.5 (150+)
  • Rebounds per game: 2.6 (150+)
  • Assists: 1.7 (150+)
  • FG%: 43.8

Australian Boomers shooting guard Josh Green has had a mixed 2024-25 season with the Charlotte Hornets, providing moments of impact while struggling with consistency in his 20 minutes per game. As a 24-year-old shooting guard in his fifth NBA season, Green has been a rotational player who contributes primarily as a 3-and-D option. The Hornets are 7-17 after 24 games and struggling in Eastern Conference's Southeast Division.

Below is a detailed evaluation of Josh Green's performance this season.

Australian Boomers guard Josh Green #10 of the Charlotte Hornets lays the ball up during the first half of a basketball game against the Milwaukee Bucks at Spectrum Center on November 16, 2024 in Charlotte, North Carolina. Photo: David Jensen/Getty Images

Strengths

  1. Three-Point Shooting
    • 3PT%: 45.2% (33-for-73)
    • Green has been effective as a three-point shooter, particularly in catch-and-shoot situations. His ability to space the floor is a valuable asset for the Hornets' offense.
    • Standout Performance: On December 1 against Atlanta, Green scored 17 points, hitting 4-of-7 from beyond the arc, reinforcing he's a scoring threat from deep.
  2. Defensive Activity
    • Steals Per Game: 0.8
    • Green has shown flashes of his defensive potential with timely steals and solid on-ball defense. While his defensive metrics are modest, his energy and effort are evident in games where he locks in on that end of the floor.
  3. Efficient Scoring in Transition
    • Green’s athleticism allows him to be effective in transition, converting high-percentage looks at the rim and occasionally sparking fast breaks.
  4. Improved Decision-Making
    • With just 0.9 turnovers per game, Green takes care of the ball, making him a low-risk option in the Hornets’ offense.
Josh Green #10 of the Charlotte Hornets defends against the Atlanta Hawks during the second quarter at State Farm Arena on October 25, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia. Photo: Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

Areas for Improvement

  1. Inconsistent Scoring Output
    • Average PPG: 7.5
    • Green’s scoring has fluctuated significantly. While he has had standout games (e.g., 16 points on December 8 against Cleveland), he has also had multiple scoreless games. Consistency in scoring would elevate his role and impact on the team.
  2. Limited Playmaking
    • Average APG: 1.7
    • As a shooting guard, Green’s assist numbers are below average. Improving his ability to create opportunities for teammates would add another dimension to his game.
  3. Free-Throw Shooting
    • FT%: 59.1%
    • Green’s free-throw shooting (13-of-22) is a weakness. Improving his consistency from the line is critical, especially in close games where free throws are pivotal.
  4. Defensive Metrics
    • While Green is active defensively, his block (0.3 BPG) and steal numbers (0.8 SPG) are below what is expected of a wing player with his athletic profile.
  5. Foul Trouble
    • Fouls Per Game: 2.9
    • Green’s tendency to commit fouls is not unusual for the modern NBA wing. Almost three fouls in 20 minutes is on the high side and a risk to playing time as his minutes grow.
Josh Green #10 of the Charlotte Hornets takes Garrison Mathews #24 of the Atlanta Hawks off the dribble during the first quarter at State Farm Arena on October 25, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia. Photo: Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

Summary

Josh Green has shown potential as a 3-and-D player for the Hornets, particularly with his three-point shooting and defensive activity. But inconsistency and inefficiency in certain areas — such as free-throw shooting on limited opportunities — have limited his overall impact. At 24, Green still has plenty of room to develop, and with improved consistency and focus, he could grow into a more reliable rotational piece for the team.

Grade: C+

Green has been a solid role player for the Hornets but consistency is the key. His three-point shooting is a clear strength, but areas such as scoring efficiency, free-throw percentage, and limiting personal fouls will keep him in the rotation for longer.

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