Mavs' Josh Green Plans For 'Big Offseason' in Year 4
The Dallas Mavericks are facing a potential franchise-altering summer, where the future of this team as we know it may be decided. First comes the NBA lottery in less than two weeks. Second is the plan to re-sign Kyrie Irving, who hits unrestricted free agency at the end of June. Third, comes improving the overall roster around Luka Doncic and Irving.
And that company includes Josh Green, who just finished up his third season in the league. The former No. 18 pick showed huge strides in his game this season as he became a key contributor to Jason Kidd's rotation, but Green knows that after missing the postseason, the work must continue this offseason.
“I think, going into next season, it’s all about winning. My goal is, I want to win," Green said in his exit interview. "I feel like I’m a very competitive person, and I’ll always be like that. Every game, I’m going 100%. So, I’m ready."
Green averaged career-highs across the board this season with 9.1 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game while shooting 53.7 percent and 40.2 percent from downtown. Green averaged just under 26 minutes per game, up from 15 minutes per game last season, while starting 21 of 60 games.
What Green brings to the Mavericks, and can grow upon, is his versatility on both ends. Coming into the league, Green was seen as a raw, elite athlete who had an endless motor and could get after it on the defensive end, which came to fruition. But after three years under his belt, Green's offensive game and comfort with the ball in his hands, has hit a stride to take his game to the next level.
With the loss of Dorian Finney-Smith, Green's impact to Dallas' defense on the perimeter was crucial this season. But, it's on offense where Green can truly put his stamp on the Mavericks going forward. Green has already shown a vast improvement in his outside shooting and has always showcased sneaky good vision as a passer and an opportune cutter.
But, can he put it all together?
"So now, can he (Green) run the offense?” Jason Kidd asked during his exit interview. “Can he get guys in position? And the value of that will be great if he can develop that."
“That’s just going to make him that much better. That’ll be the next step — besides being consistent.”
There it is -- consistency. At times, you can forget Green is on the floor on offense. Granted, in a heliocentric offense surrounded around Doncic, it can be hard for your impact to be felt. But, if Green can keep improving his lead guard skills and become more assertive on offense, his development and overall impact on the Mavericks will skyrocket.
"I’m already ready for next season, ready to get to work this offseason, and it’s just continuing to get into work," Green said. "...I’ll have a big offseason again and be ready to go.”
Now, no one's name is etched in stone into Dallas' roster for next year except for No. 77. For the right deal, anyone is up for grabs if that means it gets the Mavs closer to a championship. Though, Green feels like a core piece on the team going forward, especially if he can continue his growth going into his fourth season.
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