Aussie Josh Green rising in NBA Draft

Josh Green will almost certainly be a first-round pick in the 2020 draft come June.

After a strong start to the season, the Australian has encountered the inevitable freshman struggles on the offensive end of the court.

While he can be a streaky shooter, Green’s lockdown ability defensively projects him to potentially sneak into the lottery in the upcoming draft.

Undoubtedly, there is a lot of raw talent and upside that will appeal to NBA teams; however, it may take a few seasons for Green to reach starter level.

 

Current Draft Predictions

 

NBC Sports – 11th to New Orleans Pelicans

Tankathon.com – 15th to Orlando Magic

NBAdraft.net – 15th to Orlando Magic

Bleacher Report – 21st to Philadelphia 76ers  

CBS – 26th to Oklahoma City Thunder  

Yahoo Sports – 27th to Toronto Raptors

 

Recent struggles have seen Green fall out of the lottery on most sites.

Head coach Sean Miller commented on what may be his biggest weakness holding him back.

“Shooting the ball, he might be streaky, but he is certainly capable, and he has shown that, especially when he takes good shots,” Miller said.

Green can ease a lot of concerns if he can finish the season with consistent shooting from deep.

Green has the prototype of a two-way wing that almost all teams will want; at 1.98 m, 95 kg he compares closely to Philadelphia 76ers defensive menace, Matisse Thybulle.

 

Best Team Fits for Green

Memphis Grizzlies

The Grizzlies are a young rising team in the NBA, but they have faced problems defensively, allowing 114.9 ppg.

Green could take on the star match-ups each night defensively and take his time to improve perimeter shooting.  

San Antonio Spurs

The Spurs could add Green to its stock of wings as a two-way player combining with Lonnie Walker for minutes under this century’s best head coach.

Green would go a long way to solve the very un-Popovich like defensive problems present this season.

However, San Antonio have attempted the second least attempts of threes in the league this season, so may want to add a shooter.

Chicago Bulls

The bulls are not a great defensive team and have a hole at the wing perfect for Green.

Chicago have recently take bigs and a point guard in the lottery so it may be time for a wing.

This would only likely happen if Green shows more offensive upside, or Chicago win more games and hurt their draft position.

 

The 2020 draft has been labelled weak with a lack of high-potential talent.

Josh Green does embody this to a large extent – a solid to high floor talent guaranteeing defensive intensity but probably lacks star potential.

The peak he reaches will come down to what he becomes offensively and whether he can sort out his shot.

Teams looking at him will know to expect a slower development that is why the right fit will be crucial for his growth.