‘I’m just super excited’: Josh Green thrilled to join Hornets, explains how he can help

Josh Green probably felt like an insomniac.

Australia’s time zones are dramatically different than four that occupy the continental United States, and that point was reinforced again two weeks ago when Green was awoken from his slumber to learn he’s now a member of the Charlotte Hornets.

“I was sleeping at night, it was about three in the morning,” Green said Friday on a Zoom call from Abu Dhabi, where he’s preparing for the Olympics with the Australian national team. “I got the call from my agents, and I’m just super excited ... to be a part of something that seems like a lot of fun.

“Obviously, I’ve seen a lot of the videos on Instagram, social medias, and it seems like a fun team and amazing ownership with Rick (Schnall) and Gabe (Plotkin). They are building something really cool. So, I’m super happy to be a part of it and have a new opportunity.”

Acquired from Dallas on the second day of the NBA Draft in what morphed into a six-team trade, Green is one of the key pieces the Hornets added this offseason. He’s an athletic player who can guard multiple positions, providing coach Charles Lee with another option to incorporate into a core that features LaMelo Ball, Brandon Miller and Miles Bridges.

He’s coming off a career best season with the Mavericks, averaging 8.2 points along with 3.2 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.3 made 3-pointers per game. The 23-year-old is versatile and confident his skill set will mesh perfectly with the Hornets.

“It’s such a young team and they play at a fast pace,” Green said, “and I think I’m able to thrive in transition, being able to pick up the ball and play defense and just continue to grow my game. I’m still a young guy and it gets fun to be around older guys in Dallas and learn from them, and take that to Charlotte and just come in with a winning mindset, and, yeah, be ready to go.”

Green is already getting the inside scoop on what to expect from someone whose number was already saved in his cell phone. In fact, Grant Williams dialed Green up almost immediately after the deal went through.

“He’s super excited,” Green said. “He said it’s a great culture and super fun to be a part of. He said he’s been having the time of his life. He’s super happy. I’m really looking forward to it and looking forward to seeing Grant again.”

Here are three takeaways from Green’s session:

Fitting in with the Hornets

Green said he’s spoken with Lee and president of basketball operations Jeff Peterson, but isn’t completely sure of his exact role just yet.

“So both, they’ve been amazing with communication,” Green said. “We’ve been in constant contact. Now the big thing is controlling, focusing on the Australian team for now and then being able to get into a deeper relationship and be able to talk about that at a time after the Olympics.

“So yeah, they’ve been amazing communication-wise and it makes me feel very comfortable.”

Sounds like Green also plans on being a chameleon with the Hornets, doing his best to blend in various ways. But when it comes to exerting energy, though, he intends on leading the pack.

“I think it’s just very important from a winning aspect,” Green said. “There’s so many talented players in the NBA and I think it’s being able to find a difference in stuff that can affect games. Not only does it benefit yourself, it benefits the team. And I think that’s shown with recent champions and how they play the game.

“I feel like energy is a big part of the game. I’m always more than happy to bring energy from the defensive end and it can be anything — being physical and finding the open man. I feel like I’m playing my best when I’m able to get my other teammates involved. Honestly, it makes the game a lot of fun.”

Playing with LaMelo Ball

Green seems eager to be teamed with Ball in the backcourt. There’s already a bit of a familiarity factor.

“Me and Melo came in the same draft class and he’s a very talented player,” Green said. “He gets all his teammates involved, great passer. So, I think it’s going back transition-wise and being able to push the pace. We think we have the ability to be a very fast team and it’s enjoyable to play that way.

“So, I’m looking forward to it. I enjoy picking up full court and I’m just trying to be physical on the defensive end and lock into my assignments.”

How NBA Finals run helps

Although the Mavericks came up short in the NBA Finals against Boston, Green couldn’t be more grateful for the ride. He gained a wealth of knowledge that money can’t buy.

“It was an amazing experience, especially going against Coach (Lee),” Green said. “But I think I was able to learn a lot just from pressure-wise and preparation-wise just going into the Final series. I felt like I was able to grow a lot as a player in certain situations. And also being there, I definitely have an itch to get back there. So, very highly motivated and just excited.”