DALLAS — Coming off the most productive season of his NBA career, averaging9.1 points, 3.0 rebounds and 1.7 assists for theDallas Mavericks, Josh Green faces an opportunity to continue to showcase the progression he's achieved.He will be participating in the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup while representing his home country of Australia.
Green, who was on the Australian roster during the Tokyo Olympic games, received limited opportunity given he was still early in his professional basketball career. He continues to embrace the chance to make an impact for his national team this time around.
"I've always been proud to be Australian and always represented Australia, but it's different when you go to the Olympics," Green toldESPN Australia. "It's a whole other level. You realize how much the country really means to you. You're literally putting your uniform on for your country and you're going to battle. I'm so competitive, you have so much pride for it.
"Even [a few weeks ago], I went to a Wallabies game. [Whenever] I watch the Matildas play," Green explained. "To think that I wear the green and gold for another sport, it's one of the coolest feelings ever."
Green sees a major opportunity for an Australian team that not only includes him, but is packed with plenty of other NBA talent. With teammates like Josh Giddey, Dyson Daniels, Matisse Thybulle, Patty Mills, Joe Ingles, and Dante Exum there is a mix of up-and-coming players and established veterans.
"Looking past in Boomers rosters, I think we're a lot more versatile," Green said. "We have a lot more guys who can run up and down the court. We have multiple ball-handlers who can bring the ball up. I think we're gonna play a more faster paced game than what we're probably used to playing, Boomers wise."
"Faster pace means a lot more stuff. We'll play in transition, it's more fun to play; more fun to watch," Green explained. "It's a winning style of game. Everyone's unselfish. For me, it's coming in and being able to bring the same intensity. I don't want to lose so I'm gonna be competitive, play the same way I do in the NBA. I think we're gonna be a very defensive-minded team, and I think we have a lot of great players to be able to really go on a good run."
After Green is finished competing with Australia, he will be preparing for the 2023-24 NBA season. He is set to play on the final year of his rookie contract with the Mavs and will be eligible for an extension. He remains focused on the national team instead of his contract matters, but would like to stay in Dallas.
"Honestly, I haven't really put too much thought into it," Green said of a potential extension."I've really just focused on [the national team]. Whatever happens kind of happens.
"Obviously, it's a cool feeling to be in that situation but, at the same time, I put so much work to be able to be in this position now, that you wanna continue to work," Green explained. "I hope it happens. I want to be in Dallas. I love Dallas. I love the fanbase, love the guys. To think I could be in Dallas long-term would be amazing."
Green has helped his value strongly after achieving major improvement as a 3-point shooter last season. He converted at a 40.2 percent clip on 2.8 attempts per game after falling out of the rotation in the team's run to the Western Conference Finals in the season prior. He was placed in situations where he was not being guarded by rim protectors like Rudy Gobert, compromising floor spacing for the rest of the unit.
Green has an opportunity to take another step forward with the Mavs next season if he can continue to expand on his offensive impact alongside Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving. He struggled following the midseason blockbuster trade, but will have a full training camp and early season schedule to build chemistry as opposed to the circ*mstances after Irving was acquired.
As Green continues to expand his game, his potential remains impressive with between his explosiveness when attacking closeouts and finishing in transition. He showed flashes as a threat attacking out of ball screens and handoffs, along with being a ball screener. How all of those layers can get maximized will be something to monitor next season.
Defensively, Green has shown an ability to fly around the half-court with his athleticism and come up with rebounds. With a need for an on-ball defender to take on top assignments alongside Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving, Green could fill a major void, especially if he can reduce fouling and continue to advance in that regard. He has all of the necessary tools to be a utility player.
Australia's first match in part of the FIBA World Cup is scheduled for Aug. 25 against Lauri Markkanen and Finland in Okinawa, Japan.
Grant Afseth is a Dallas Mavericks reporter for DallasBasketball.com and an NBA reporter for NBA Analysis Network. He previously covered the Indiana Pacers and NBA for CNHI's Kokomo Tribune and various NBA teams for USA TODAY Sports Media Group. Follow him on Twitter (@grantafseth), Facebook (@grantgafseth), and YouTube (@grantafseth).
Want the latest in breaking news and insider information on the Dallas Mavericks? Click Here. Follow DallasBasketball.com on Twitter and Facebook.
