Ex-Mavericks Forward Struggles Amid Downward Spiral with No Recovery in Sight
Former Dallas Mavericks player Josh Green faced a challenging transition after being traded to the Charlotte Hornets during the summer of 2024. This move occurred as part of a sign-and-trade deal involving Klay Thompson. Many Mavericks fans expressed concern about the team’s decision to let him go prematurely.
Josh Green’s Struggles in Charlotte
Currently, Josh Green’s position on the Hornets is precarious. He has yet to solidify a starting role and is averaging a mere four points per game, significantly down from his previous performance levels. This season, he has played just under 16 minutes per game, a stark contrast to his earlier career where he started 129 games.
Performance Overview
- Career-high points in a game: 29
- Games scoring 20 or more points as a Maverick: 10
- Average points in third season: 9.1
- Shooting percentage from three-point range: just over 40%
In his final season with the Mavericks, Green showed promise that led to increased fan support. However, his role with the Hornets has diminished sharply. After a difficult start last year, he continued to struggle this season.
The Hornets’ Bright Future
The Charlotte Hornets have emerged as a surprisingly competitive team. With the emergence of young stars like LaMelo Ball, Brandon Miller, and Kon Knueppel, Green finds himself overshadowed. Knueppel, in particular, is gaining attention as a leading candidate for NBA Rookie of the Year.
- LaMelo Ball: Key playmaker
- Brandon Miller: Young talent showcasing consistency
- Kon Knueppel: Rising star in the league
Implications for Green’s Future
Given the Hornets’ winning momentum, Green may soon be faced with a trade or a shift through free agency. His diminishing role and lack of starting opportunities indicate that his time in Charlotte may be short-lived. The organization is moving in a direction that appears to exclude him from their long-term plans.
Despite the Hornets being positioned near the bottom of the Eastern Conference, victories against the Los Angeles Lakers, Oklahoma City Thunder, and Denver Nuggets highlight their growth. The team’s management, including head coach Charles Lee, is focusing on building a strong core for future success.
Conclusion
While the Mavericks needed to change personnel after their 2024 NBA Finals loss, Green’s exit was part of a larger strategy. The decision to trade him, alongside the move involving Quentin Grimes, has widely been seen as necessary for the team’s defense and shooting capabilities.
As for Josh Green, the question remains: can he find a place in the NBA if he cannot carve out a role with the Hornets? His future appears uncertain, and continued struggles may lead to further challenges in his career.
