Playing for the Australian National Team and helping them get as far as possible in the World Cup was at the top of Josh
Green’s bucket list this offseason.
Not far behind on that list for the Mavericks’ guard?
“A big focus of mine was making sure that I was in the weight room a lot continuing to just try to build a bigger upper body,” Green said. “And then just staying consistent throughout my whole game — playing more one-on-one in tight situations — three seconds (remaining on the 24-seocnd shot clock) to get a shot off, and being consistent with my three (point shot). Making multiple (threes) in a row before I can move on to the next spot instead of just making the reps.
“So, I think the main thing was just making sure that I was deliberate with everything I did. I knew that I had the World Cup this offseason, so as soon as (the Mavs) didn’t make the playoffs I kind of went straight to work for two-and-a-half months before heading to Australia for camp (in preparation for the World Cup). So, it was a fun summer and I felt like I got a lot out of it.”
For Green, the World Cup turned into a dud, since Australia lost, 91-80, in an early round to Slovenia, which was led by Green’s Mavs’ teammate – Luka Doncic.
“Obviously, it wasn’t the outcome that we wanted as a team,” Green said with a wry smile. “We went in there with the idea and the preparation as far as we’re going for a gold medal.
“It’s unfortunate that we weren’t able to do that, but the way we looked at it is it’s a step for the (2024) Olympics. A hard way to go out – losing to Luka — but it is what it is.”
Green is fond of the improvements Mavs’ management made over the offseason in upgrading the roster and making it more athletic and defensive-minded.
“The front office has done as amazing job — the coaching staff — making the construction of this team,” he said. “I think we have a great team. It’s always good to just go up and down (the court) against competitive guys.
“I think everyone has the same goal here. Even the guys that weren’t here (last season). They still know what we went through last year, so I think we’re all going to be ready to go.”
Despite the numerous new players on the roster, is Green still arguably the Mavs’ most athletic player?
“We have a lot of athletic guys on the team,” the fourth-year veteran said. “Whoever said that, thank you, but I think at the end of the day it’s a little different.
“(Derrick) Jones came in the other day and basically grabbed the rebound over the backboard, and I was like, ‘Alright, so maybe he might be the most athletic, actually.’ But I think our whole team is athletic.”
All athletics aside, Green (6-6, 210) certainly has an eye on improving his game on the defensive end of the floor.
“I know the coaches have confidence in me as a player, I have confidence in myself as a defensive player and I’m ready to take on whatever role it is for the team and I’m excited,” he said. “We’re going to have a great defensive scheme with coach (Alex) Jensen and (Jared) Dudley.
“I think for us it’s just making sure that I’m paying attention to every little detail, and also I’m trying to be a vocal leader. I’ve kind of been the quieter guy on the team, but I have to get that to go away to be able to take that next step not only for me, but also as a team.”
Green, 22, also is excited that he has moved down the ladder from being the second-youngest player with the Mavs. The youngest players now belongs to Dereck Lively II (19), Jaden Hardy (21), Olivier-Maxence Prosper (21) and Mike Miles Jr. (21).
“We’ve got younger guys on the team now,” Green said. “I’ve been the youngest guy for like three years in a row now, so it’s refreshing to see a couple of younger guys.”
It’s also refreshing for Green that the Mavs are in the midst of getting their sea legs back under them after returning Thursday from a 12-day trip to Abu Dhabi and Spain. Now, it’s on to one final preseason game on Friday against Detroit at American Airlines Center before the Mavs open the regular season on Oct. 25 in San Antonio.
“I feel like for me to have a successful season would be for our team to have a successful season,” Green said. “Make a deep run in the playoffs (and) win a championship. To me, that’s winning for me.”
X: @DwainPrice
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