Dallas Mavericks shooting guard Josh Green has steadily improved during his first three years in the league. Entering the final season of his rookie contract, the Australian two-way specialist is eligible for an extension with Dallas until Oct. 23, one day before the NBA season starts.
According to NBA reporter Grant Afseth, both Green and the Mavs are interested in completing a deal but have not agreed yet. Green has made it clear that he hopes to stay with Dallas long-term. At his Media Day press conference, Green expressed his desire to stick with the Mavericks for the long haul.
“I know I want to be here,” Green said. “I’m going to work as if I’m going to be here for a long time. I want to be able to win in Dallas. I’m going to be in Dallas. Whatever their decision, it is their decision. I have the same goal every single day, and that’s just to be the best teammate or the best player I can be for the team.”
Green also discussed his current contract situation with the media. He kept his thoughts on the matter short and sweet.
“I’m just letting my agents deal with that,” Green explained. “I have a training camp. We have a lot of stuff we need to do as a team this year. I leave that to my agents.”
Last season, Green nearly doubled his scoring average from the previous campaign. The 22-year-old talent notched 9.1 points per game while shooting 53.7% from the field and 40.2% from three. He converted a mind-boggling 64.3% of his two-pointers.
In 21 games as a starter, Green averaged 11.8 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 2.5 assists. The versatile Aussie can do a little bit of everything, and he defends at an elite level. After focusing on upper body strength and shot consistency during the offseason, Green could be primed for a breakout season.
Green’s invaluable ability to guard the perimeter could earn him a permanent spot in Dallas’ starting five. However, Jason Kidd recently made it clear on The Saturday Stein Line that first-round pick Olivier-Maxence Prosper will have a shot at the spot as well.
At Media Day, Kidd spoke very highly of Green’s role heading into a new season.
“Josh’s energy pursuing 50-50 balls and getting us extra possessions is something we’re going to need from him,” Kidd said. “Defensively, being able to guard the other perimeter offensive threat is something we will ask him to do. I think he’s up for that challenge.”
With the 2023-24 season just around the corner, the Mavs have a huge decision to make regarding Green’s contract. Whether Dallas extends Green or not, Mavs fans should expect nothing less than unmatched hustle from the athletic wing.
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