Joshua Benjamin Green Bio
Joshua Benjamin Green is an Australian professional basketball player currently serving as a shooting guard for the Charlotte Hornets of the National Basketball Association (NBA). Born in Sydney, Australia on 16 November 2000, Green has established himself as a versatile perimeter player known for his defensive intensity and three-point shooting. He played college basketball for the Arizona Wildcats before being selected 18th overall in the 2020 NBA Draft by the Dallas Mavericks. Green was a key contributor to the Australian national team that won bronze at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, marking the country’s first-ever Olympic medal in men’s basketball. He signed a three-year, $41 million contract extension in 2024.
Early Life and Background
Green was born in Sydney to Australian mother Cahla Green and American-born father Delmas Green. His parents met while both were playing semi-professional basketball in Australia before deciding to raise their family in the north-west Sydney suburb of Castle Hill. Josh began playing basketball at age five under his mother’s coaching, and he quickly demonstrated exceptional athletic ability across multiple sports. By age 10, Green had already been selected to represent his home state of New South Wales in nine separate sports, showcasing his remarkable versatility and talent.
As a youth, Green played local basketball for the Hills Hornets while excelling in Australian rules football, athletics, rugby, soccer, and swimming. He held the world record for 7-year-olds in the 500-meter dash with a time of 1:29:50. At age 12, Green traveled over 12 hours to the outback town of Broken Hill in pursuit of state basketball team selection. Though initially told he was too young, he returned the following year and captained the under-12 NSW Metro state team to a national championship title.
Path to Basketball
Green attended The King’s School in Parramatta, Sydney, where he dominated the local basketball scene so thoroughly that he earned selection to the New South Wales under-16 state team at just 13 years old. In November 2014, the Green family relocated to Phoenix, Arizona, which marked a significant turning point in his basketball development. He enrolled at Mountain Ridge High School in Glendale, Arizona in 2015, where his skills continued to flourish. Green later transferred to Hillcrest Prep in Phoenix before ultimately landing at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida in 2017, where he developed into a five-star recruiting prospect.
During his senior year at IMG Academy, Green led his team to a national championship victory with a 65-55 win over La Lumiere, earning MVP honors in the championship game. He was selected to play in the 2019 McDonald’s All-American Boys Game, one of the most prestigious high school all-star events in American basketball. Green received scholarship offers from several major college programs, including Villanova and North Carolina, before ultimately choosing to play for the Arizona Wildcats. He was considered a consensus five-star prospect by major recruiting services including 247Sports, Rivals, and ESPN.
Joshua Benjamin Green Career
Arizona Wildcats (2019–2020)
Green made an immediate impact at the University of Arizona, scoring 20 points in his second college game against Illinois in a 90-69 victory. He demonstrated his scoring ability, playmaking skills, and defensive instincts throughout his freshman season. Green averaged 12.0 points, 4.6 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 1.5 steals per game while shooting 36.1% from three-point range during his lone collegiate season. His all-around performance and potential made him one of the most highly regarded freshman prospects in the country.
Dallas Mavericks Era (2020–2024)
Green was selected with the 18th overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft by the Dallas Mavericks, fulfilling his dream of playing in the NBA. He signed his rookie scale contract on 30 November 2020 and made his NBA debut on 23 December, scoring two points in a loss to the Phoenix Suns. During his rookie season, he received an assignment to the NBA G League with the Texas Legends and saw limited playoff action as the Mavericks were eliminated in the first round by the Los Angeles Clippers.
The 2021-22 season marked a significant development year for Green, as he earned a spot in the Mavericks’ regular rotation. He recorded his first career-high of 10 assists in December 2021 against the Portland Trail Blazers and continued to establish himself as a capable NBA player. Green played a crucial role during the Mavericks’ playoff run in April 2022, contributing 12 points and six assists in a Game 3 win against the Utah Jazz in the first round. Dallas advanced to the Western Conference Finals for the first time since 2011 before falling to the Golden State Warriors.
On 23 October 2023, Green signed a lucrative three-year, $41 million extension with the Mavericks, reflecting the organization’s confidence in his continued growth. He responded with the best statistical season of his career, including a career-high 29 points scored against the Utah Jazz in February 2023. Green played a vital role in helping the Mavericks reach the 2024 NBA Finals, where they ultimately lost to the Boston Celtics in five games.
Charlotte Hornets Era (2024–Present)
On 6 July 2024, Green was traded by the Dallas Mavericks to the Charlotte Hornets as part of a historic six-team sign-and-trade transaction that also involved the Philadelphia 76ers, Golden State Warriors, Denver Nuggets, and Minnesota Timberwolves. This became the NBA’s first-ever six-team trade, marking a significant milestone in league history. Green quickly became a valued member of the Hornets’ rotation, making 67 starts in 68 appearances during the 2024-25 NBA season. He averaged 7.4 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game while demonstrating the two-way play that had characterized his game throughout his career.
Playing Style and Strengths
Green is known as a versatile shooting guard who impacts games on both ends of the floor. His 6-foot-6 frame and 200-pound frame allow him to guard multiple positions effectively, while his three-point shooting provides floor spacing for his team. He possesses solid playmaking ability and court vision, enabling him to create opportunities for teammates. Green thrives in transition situations and has shown the ability to finish at the rim through contact. His basketball IQ and understanding of team concepts have helped him develop into a reliable rotation player at the NBA level.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among Green’s most significant career milestones are winning a bronze medal with Australia at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, being selected 18th overall in the 2020 NBA Draft, earning McDonald’s All-American honors in 2019, and leading IMG Academy to a national championship as a senior in high school. His career-high 29-point performance against Utah in February 2023 showcased his scoring ability at the NBA level, while his contributions helped the Mavericks reach the 2024 NBA Finals. The historic six-team trade that brought him to Charlotte further cemented his status as a valued NBA player.
Joshua Benjamin Green Career Highlights
Across his NBA career with the Dallas Mavericks and Charlotte Hornets, Green has established himself as a solid rotation player capable of contributing in multiple facets of the game. His versatility on both ends of the floor, combined with his ability to space the floor offensively and guard multiple positions defensively, has made him a valuable commodity in the league.
NBA Career Statistics
Through the 2024-25 NBA season, Green has appeared in approximately 250 career NBA games, averaging roughly 6.5 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game. His best statistical season came in 2022-23 with the Mavericks, when he posted career highs in scoring, assists, and three-point shooting percentage. His consistency and durability have allowed him to remain a fixture in NBA rotations since his rookie season.
International Achievements
Green’s international career includes representing Australia at the senior level, most notably as a member of the team that won bronze at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. This achievement holds special significance as it marked Australia’s first-ever Olympic medal in men’s basketball. Green made his senior debut for Australia in the first round of the Tokyo Olympics against Nigeria and played a supporting role throughout the tournament as Australia defeated Slovenia in the bronze medal game. He was also named to the Australian roster for the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Family
Family Background and Athletic Lineage
Josh Green comes from a family with deep roots in basketball. His father, Delmas Green, played college basketball at Oregon Tech before both he and Josh’s mother, Cahla Green, pursued professional playing careers in Australia. This basketball pedigree clearly influenced Josh’s development, as both parents coached him during his formative years in Sydney. The family’s athletic background provided Josh with expert guidance and instruction from an early age, helping to nurture his exceptional talent.
Green has three siblings, including two brothers and a younger sister named Maya. His brother Jay Green played college basketball for the Northern Arizona Lumberjacks, continuing the family’s basketball tradition. Growing up, Josh was immersed in basketball culture, learning the fundamentals and game sense that would later serve as the foundation for his professional career.
Personal Life
Despite spending his high school years in the United States, Green maintains strong connections to his Australian roots. He grew up cheering for the Sydney Swans in Australian rules football and counts Adam Goodes and Lance Franklin among his childhood sporting idols. As a youth, Green was such a talented Australian rules footballer that both the Sydney Swans and Greater Western Sydney Giants offered him positions in their junior developmental academies. He accepted an offer to join the Giants’ academy at age 13 before ultimately focusing exclusively on basketball after his family’s relocation to Arizona.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 NBA season marked a new chapter in Green’s career as he continued his development with the Charlotte Hornets following offseason shoulder surgery. Green underwent a procedure on 20 June 2025 to address instability in his left shoulder, requiring several months of rehabilitation before returning to game action. He made his season debut on 12 December 2025, demonstrating resilience and determination in his return to the court. The recovery process tested his patience and work ethic, but Green emerged determined to build upon his previous seasons’ accomplishments.
Throughout the 2025 season, Green provided the Hornets with the same two-way play and versatility that had characterized his career. His ability to knock down perimeter shots, defend multiple positions, and make smart decisions with the basketball gave Charlotte a valuable rotational piece. The Hornets continued to develop their young core around Green and other talented players, building toward future competitiveness in the Eastern Conference.
Looking ahead, Green’s combination of youth, skill, and experience positions him well for continued success in the NBA. At 25 years old, he remains in the prime of his career and has room for further growth. His $41 million contract extension demonstrates the organization’s belief in his long-term value, and his Olympic experience with Australia adds international prestige to his basketball resume. Whether with the Hornets or elsewhere, Green has proven himself as a capable NBA player capable of contributing to a winning team.