Josh Green finished his freshman season as one of the best freshmen defenders in the country. On the year, he averaged 12 PPG, 2.6 APG, 4.6 RPG, 1.5 SPG, 0.4 BPG, and 1.6 TOPG on shooting splits of 42/36/78. Below is his full scouting report:
Name: Josh Green
Height/Weight: 6’6/ 210
Wingspan/ standing reach: 6’10 / N/A
Hand size: N/A
Position: Wing
College/country: Arizona/Australia
Tools: Defense, athleticism, Motor
Pros:
- High effort defender
- Elite recovery time
- NBA ready body
- High level athlete with explosiveness
- Nonstop motor
- Excellent defensive awareness
- Quick first step
- Developing a nice floater
Cons:
- Plays out of control at times
- Needs to be more disciplined on defense- gambles too much
- Jump shot needs improvement, mostly in footwork/base
Overall: Josh Green is a unique high-level defender that has shown flashes of creating for others. Green is an excellent athlete, which helps him recover quickly on defense and stay with his man with ease. Most top-end defenders in the NBA have elite recovery ability, which is a big part of why Green projects to be one of the best defenders in this draft class. Beyond the physical tools, he has incredible awareness, which allows him to be a strong team defender. Additionally, of the games I have seen from Green, he has never taken a play off, thanks to his high motor.
However, his nonstop motor can sometimes be a blessing and a curse. At times, once he gets a full head of steam, he’s hard to stop which gives his decision-making no margin for error. Luckily for Green, he’s a good decision-maker overall, but this still contributed to some unnecessary turnovers.
Another area where Green needs to improve is his jump shooting. While the percentages are pleasant, Green’s jump shot form needs improvement, and he may struggle to shoot over contests. He has the touch to shoot, but he may be best suited as a PJ Tucker type of shooter, only shooting wide open 3s or against slight contests.
NBA Comparison: Floor: Thabo Sefolosha; ceiling: Gerald Wallace
Projected draft range: 13-23
Fit with Mavs:
Dallas’ most glaring need is a defensive minded wing that can provide ancillary services to the offense in passing, slashing, and spot up shooting in bursts. Green addresses all of these areas, plus he could have a strong chance to be the second/third best defender on the Mavs, and even compete with Dorian Finney-Smith for best wing defender by the end of the season. His defense is almost a sure-fire skill to translate, and with the Mavs’ motion offense, he seems destined to be rewarded for his smart cuts and off-ball movement.
Green would have to be taken with the 18th pick or require a trade up in the draft in order to be a Maverick. As a child of two basketball players, Green’s pedigree, physical traits, and defensive ability align with what Dallas needs for their roster both next season and for the future in surrounding their already strong core.
Shot chart:
