Josh Green’s journey with the Charlotte Hornets has taken a positive turn, as he has stepped into a pivotal role that has endeared him to fans who once questioned his place on the team. After enduring criticism and speculation about his future, Green has proven his value, particularly evident in the Hornets’ recent matchup against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
In a game Wednesday, the Hornets faced a rocky start, falling behind 13-2 within the first four minutes. Charlotte’s tactic of having LaMelo Ball come off the bench backfired early on, leading to a dismal first half where they managed to score only 32 points, trailing by as much as 24 at halftime. Despite the daunting deficit, the Hornets rallied in the second half, tightening defense and limiting Cleveland to just 38 points. However, they ultimately fell short, losing 94-87.
Green’s contribution stood out during this challenging game. Although he scored just seven points, his impact was felt in more subtle ways. He filled vital roles on both ends of the court, grabbing nine rebounds—five of which were offensive—and collaborating with teammates to stifle the Cavaliers’ scoring in critical moments of the fourth quarter. His efforts helped to keep the game close and demonstrated his commitment to the team’s success, reflected in a +12 plus/minus rating.
While Green has faced inconsistent performances, such as not scoring in games against the Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State Warriors, his overall contributions have been valuable. Interestingly, despite similar per-36 minute stats to the previous season, he appears to be thriving in his current role as a bench player, where he has been able to focus on the fundamentals that contribute to team victory.
The shift in perception surrounding Green illustrates the evolving expectations from fans and the coaching staff. Last season, as a starter, the pressure was on him to perform continuously, but this year, he has embraced his position as a reserve, showcasing his ability to contribute meaningful minutes while keeping the team’s competitive edge alive.
As the season progresses, Green’s commitment to doing the little things may just be what the Hornets need to continue improving their game and pushing through tougher matchups.