Breaking News: Former Maverick Anticipated to Assume Starting Role for Charlotte Hornets

Charlotte may provide an ideal environment for Josh Green, a former first-round draft pick, to enhance his skills.

Throughout his four years with the Dallas Mavericks, Green struggled to secure a spot in the starting lineup, starting only 62 out of 223 games. This offseason, he was traded to the Charlotte Hornets as part of a deal that enabled the Mavericks to acquire Klay Thompson. This move could allow Green to assume a more stable role in the NBA.

In a recent mailbag feature for the Charlotte Observer, Roderick Boone addressed questions about the Hornets and speculated on Green’s potential as a starter. Boone suggested, “All signs point to Green joining LaMelo Ball in the starting backcourt. His presence will help balance the team and alleviate some of the pressure on Ball by allowing him to defend the opposing guards, which is crucial given Ball’s tendency to accumulate fouls. Additionally, Green’s versatility to play multiple positions offers [Hornets coach Charles] Lee various options, setting the tone for the team’s defensive strategy.”

While the Hornets may not achieve the same level of success as the Mavericks, Charlotte could still be a promising opportunity for Green. The Mavericks reached the Western Conference Finals twice during his tenure, including a trip to the NBA Finals last season. In contrast, the Hornets have not made the playoffs since 2016 and last won a series in 2002. Their prospects for improvement this year appear bleak, with odds of +50000 to win the Eastern Conference, according to FanDuel.

Last season, Green averaged 8.2 points per game but mostly played as a bench player behind Derrick Jones Jr. Although he developed his three-point shooting since college, he was not regarded as a significant threat to draw attention away from stars Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic, which contributed to the Mavericks’ decision to pursue Thompson this offseason.