Josh Green comes to terms with his thankless role

Recently extended by the Mavericks through 2024, Josh Green has yet to win in Dallas. His first two seasons were discreet and in the spring, during the playoffs, after an interesting first round, he chained small minutes and meetings without any points scored.

“I played a few matches without scoring a shot, I was benched. That’s how it is in a good team.”recalls Josh Green for ESPN. “I didn’t ask any questions since we were winning. I tried to be the best teammate possible. I accepted the situation even if, at the same time, it’s boring. If we win, that’s fine with me. »

The Aussie remains an erratic player and that’s also down to his role with the Mavericks. He is a “role player” who must be content with crumbs. The proof: last season, 81% of his shots were taken after landing two or fewer dribbles. It is therefore mainly used in catch-and-shoot or on counter-attack.

“Luka is angry when I refuse a shot”

“If I put in, I don’t come out”he observes. “Except that we don’t always know when we’re going to have the ball, and it’s hard. I will dribble a maximum of three times. Sometimes I’ll take five shots in two minutes, and other times none in twenty minutes. People tend to forget how important role players are to a team. Look at the Warriors, each has a particular mission and can kill in that role. I had my first minutes realizing that I had to be good in defense and move the ball around. »

If evolving alongside Luka Doncic makes it easier to get good shots, as the Slovenian attracts the defenses, it is also sometimes an additional pressure on the shoulders of Josh Green.

“There are times, we wonder if we should shoot or if we should give the ball back to Luka, if he will get angry or not. He’s angry when I refuse a shot. I have to realize that it’s my job, that’s what I’m here for. If it fits, so much the better, if it doesn’t fit, then you have to make sure it will be for the next time. »