Mavs' Josh Green Shines in Australia Win; Matchup vs. Luka Doncic, Slovenia Looms
Now is an important time for Dallas Mavericks fourth-year guard Josh Green, who is eligible to sign a contract extension between now and the Oct. 24 deadline. Not only have "initial" contract extension talks between Green and the Mavs been initiated, but Green is also trying to help the Australian national team win the FIBA World Cup in the process as well.
On Tuesday, Australia faced Japan in the final game of the World Cup's first group phase, winning in blowout fashion, 109-89. Although Green had a slow start in Australia's first two games of the tournament, he had a breakout performance against Japan, finishing with 15 points, three rebounds and four steals in just 21 minutes as a starter. He shot 5-7 from the field, including 2-4 from deep and 3-4 from the free-throw line.
"We moved Matisse [Thybulle] to the group coming off the bench," Australia head coach Brian Goorjian said. "And Josh [Green starting], this was the original plan. But Josh missed most of camp, missed all the [preparation] games, and I think he's better on the defensive end of the [Matthew Dellavedovaa] job of picking the ball up and putting pressure on up the floor."
Xinhua/Sipa USA
Potentially next up for Green and Australia is an elimination game against Mavs superstar Luka Doncic and Slovenia on Friday. "I relish these opportunities," said Green, who came out on top the last time his national team faced Doncic's in the Tokyo Olympics. Slovenia, still undefeated in the first group phase, still has some business to take care of against Cape Verde on Wednesday before getting to that point.
As for the aforementioned contract extension for Green, it would be best for the Mavs to work something out with their talented 22-year-old guard now, rather than having a potential restricted free-agency period hang over their heads for the entire 2023-24 NBA season. Dallas will be able to match whatever offer Green receives even if it gets to that point, but why wait on securing a long-term deal with a player who figures to be a key piece to the team's success going forward?
Stay tuned to DallasBasketball.com for more FIBA World Cup coverage and Dallas Mavericks-related updates later today.
