Even with LaMelo Ball sidelined with his latest ankle injury and Brandon Miller not 100 percent, the Charlotte Hornets are playing competitive basketball. But if the Hornets want to turn things around and potentially revive their season, there's one role player who can help get the engine going: Josh Green.
Great role players have the complementary skills that truly change the trajectory of a season, turning close losses into potential wins.
Playing on the road last Friday, Tidjane Salaun had a breakout game in a convincing win against the Toronto Raptors. Two days later, Liam McNeeley had an efficient night and led the bench in scoring in a narrow defeat to the Denver Nuggets. Stars dominate the headlines, but we often forget the unsung heroes who contribute immensely, and Green could emerge as a valuable piece for the franchise.
Role has diminished, but defense is always relevant
When the Hornets selected Kon Knueppel at No. 4 in the 2025 NBA Draft, Green's spot in the rotation had become murky. Now with Knueppel playing at a borderline All-Star level, the rookie has cemented his spot in the starting lineup. Even so, 3-and-D wings are one of the most valuable role players in the NBA.
The Hornets’ defense is a liability right now. Adding Green back into the mix, who is one of the best defensive players on the roster, will do wonders for this team. He has the defensive versatility to effectively guard multiple positions, length and quickness to improve the team’s putrid perimeter defense, and the energy that galvanizes the crowd every time he steps on the floor.
Threes are the name of the game
To really appreciate Green's impact, you cannot just look at the box score. During the 2024-25 season, he averaged 7.4 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game on 43/39/68 shooting splits. At first glance, there's not much to write home about. However, his three-point shooting is something this team needs right now.
Per TeamRankings, the Hornets launch 40.3 threes per game this season — the seventh-highest volume in the league — but convert just 34.2 percent of them, ranking 23rd in three-pointer efficiency. The only Hornets players shooting above 39 percent from beyond the arc who have played at least 10 games this season are Tidjane Salaun, McNeeley, and Knueppel. Green's above-average three-point shooting would be welcomed with open arms.
Development is key
The season can be encapsulated in two words: promising chaos. There's a lot to be excited about as a Hornets fan moving forward, but the progress could be stymied if the right players aren't on the court. Green brings a lot to the table that the Hornets desperately need to stay competitive.
After the loss to the Nuggets, the Hornets currently sit at a 7-17 record, three games out of a play-in spot. While a play-in berth isn't the ultimate goal, this franchise hasn't sniffed the playoffs since the 2015-16 season.
Player development should be a top priority this season, and Green is a key factor in that. Having a young team play in high-stakes games, win or lose, can only accelerate that growth.