The Charlotte Hornets’ lineup will receive a boost on Friday, as a veteran guard is set to appear for the first time this season.
Sixth-year man Josh Green will suit up for the Hornets against the Chicago Bulls. Green, who’s in his second season with Charlotte, underwent left shoulder surgery in the offseason and missed the team’s first 25 games.
His return comes at a convenient time for an injury-riddled Charlotte backcourt. Guards LaMelo Ball (ankle), Pat Connaughton (calf), Tre Mann (knee) and Collin Sexton (quad) all won’t play against the Bulls. Ball, the team’s star point guard, has already missed eight games this season due to ankle issues.
He could fill the minutes of rookie wing Liam McNeeley, who was transferred to the Hornets’ G-League affiliate earlier this week. The 29th overall pick has seen an increase in usage lately due to the injuries.
Green appeared in 68 games for the Hornets last season, averaging 7.4 points, 2.5 rebounds and 1.6 assists per game. He shot 42.8% from the field and 39.1% from 3-point range.
Green, who’s been known as a solid perimeter defender, should help a struggling Charlotte defense. The Hornets are 23rdin opponents points per game, giving up an average of 118.3 points per night. He will be tasked will stopping Bulls guard Josh Giddey, who’s averaging 20.3 PPG.
Green was selected 18th overall in the 2020 NBA Draft by the Dallas Mavericks. He played four seasons with the Mavericks before being acquired by the Hornets in the 6-team Klay Thompson sign-and-trade in July 2024. He signed a 3-year, $41 million rookie extension with Dallas in 2023 and is set to make $13.6 million this season.