It only took 5 minutes for Josh Green to solve the Hornets' problem

As NBA history has shown, winners need to have stars complemented by role players who can do their jobs effectively.

The Charlotte Hornets have the potential to be one as long as LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller can stay healthy and because of their other roster pieces. Among those who are expected to be a key part of the rotation is Josh Green.

The former Dallas Mavericks swingman was a bit of an afterthought in the grand scheme of the Klay Thompson blockbuster deal. However, the Hornets were actually able to snag the player who would turn out to be the fifth starter alongside Ball, Miller, Mark Williams, and Miles Bridges.

Josh Green catalyzed a strong first quarter for the Hornets

Unfortunately, Greens also fell victim to the injury bug, having to miss parts of the preseason and two of Charlotte's first three matches of the regular season.

On Wednesday, he finally debuted in the team's starting lineup. His impact was already evident merely five minutes into their bout against the Toronto Raptors.

One of the glaring problems the Hornets had faced in the previous games was getting to a slow start and having to play from behind. That wasn't the case against Toronto as they raced to a 9-0 lead, forcing the visitor to call a timeout at the 9:20 mark of the first quarter. During the early stretch, Green sank a 3-pointer, assisted on Nick Richards' slam, and played solid defense.

Of course, the 23-year-old Australian isn't the sole reason Charlotte may have finally overcome its troubles. However, his ability to hit shots to stretch the floor, make great passes, and offer great defense was definitely a catalyst for the squad's unusually incredible start.

The Raptors did catch up quickly, but it wasn't Green's fault. It didn't help the Hornets that Ball committed two turnovers, and Bridges shot 1-4 from the field in the contest's first five minutes. As such, the University of Arizona product went to the bench with a plus/minus of just +2 and a stat line of three points, one assist, and one steal.

Fortunately, Charlotte's bench took over. The team scored the most by far it has recorded in the opening period this season, as it entered the second quarter with a 30-16 margin. Perhaps the strong start allowed Tre Mann to play with less pressure and put up 10 points in the first stanza. Not to mention, with a healthy Green, the Hornets don't have to put Cody Martin in the starting lineup.

It remains to be seen if the Hornets can hold onto their lead and go up 2-2 before a tough three-game stretch.