Javonte Green is an American-Montenegrin professional basketball player for the Detroit Pistons of the National Basketball Association (NBA). A 6-foot-5 shooting guard and small forward, Green has built a reputation as a tenacious defender and efficient scorer throughout his career. After going undrafted in the 2015 NBA draft, he spent five years playing professionally overseas in Spain, Italy, and Germany before earning his NBA debut with the Boston Celtics in 2019. Green has since established himself as a reliable rotation player with multiple NBA franchises, known for his athleticism, defensive intensity, and versatility on the court.
Javonte Green Bio
Green was born on July 23, 1993, in Petersburg, Virginia. He lived in Petersburg until age 12, when he moved to Alberta, Virginia to live with his aunt. Green attended Brunswick High School in nearby Lawrenceville, where he played basketball under former Virginia and NBA shooting guard Bryant Stith. As a senior, he averaged 18.6 points, 5.8 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 3.1 steals per game while leading the Bulldogs to the Virginia High School League Group AA Division 3 state championship. He earned first-team All-State honors and was named Virginia Co-Player of the Year. Green also excelled at football at Brunswick, serving as the starting quarterback during his junior and senior years and receiving a scholarship offer from James Madison University. Despite receiving interest from multiple Division I programs for basketball, Radford University was the only school to offer him a scholarship, and he committed to play for the Highlanders.
College Career at Radford University (2011–2015)
Green made an immediate impact at Radford University, entering the starting lineup as a freshman and averaging 10.2 points, 6.7 rebounds and 1.4 steals per game. He earned a spot on the Big South Conference All-Newcomer team. As a sophomore, his first full season as a starter, he led the Highlanders with 14.6 points and 8.1 rebounds per game and was named Second Team All-Big South. During his junior season, Green averaged 16.9 points, 8.1 rebounds and 1.9 steals per game while setting the school single-season record with 68 steals. He earned First Team All-Big South honors for the second consecutive year.
As a senior, Green averaged 15.4 points, nine rebounds and 1.9 steals per game, again earning First Team All-Big South recognition and winning the conference Defensive Player of the Year award. He completed his collegiate career as Radford’s all-time leader in rebounds (1,064), steals (245) and games played (133), while ranking second all-time in scoring with 1,911 points. On November 28, 2021, the school retired his number 2 jersey in honor of his achievements.
Javonte Green Career
Overseas Career (2015–2019)
After going undrafted in the 2015 NBA draft, Green signed his first professional contract with Marín Peixegalego of the Spanish third division, LEB Plata, on September 11, 2015. During his debut professional season, he averaged 18 points, 6.7 rebounds and 2.2 steals per game, earning LEB Plata MVP honors and helping his team win the championship. On July 11, 2016, Green signed with Pallacanestro Trieste of the Italian Serie A2 Basket (second division). In his first season with Trieste, he averaged 15.6 points, 5.5 rebounds and 2.4 steals in 45 games. He returned for a second season, improving his scoring average to 18.1 points and 7.1 rebounds per game while leading the league with 2.3 steals per game. Following the season, he joined the Phoenix Suns NBA Summer League roster.
On July 25, 2018, Green signed with ratiopharm Ulm of the German Basketball Bundesliga. He appeared in 51 games between league and EuroCup play, averaging 13.8 points, 4.7 rebounds and 2.3 steals per game. His strong performances earned him a selection to the 2019 BBL All-Star Game as a member of the International team.
Boston Celtics Breakthrough (2019–2021)
Green earned an invitation to play in the 2019 NBA Summer League with the Boston Celtics. He appeared in all five of the Celtics’ games, averaging 10.8 points, 4.8 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 1.8 steals. On July 25, 2019, the Celtics signed Green to a two-year contract. After impressing during the preseason with averages of 9.3 points on 80 percent shooting and 4.0 rebounds in 14.1 minutes per game, he secured a spot on the Celtics’ opening-night roster.
Green made his NBA debut on October 25, 2019, playing the final seconds of the first half against the Toronto Raptors. The appearance marked the first time a former Radford player had played in an NBA game. He scored his first career points on November 7, 2019, finishing with 12 points on 5-of-9 shooting in a win over the Charlotte Hornets. Green earned his first NBA start on February 3, 2020, against the Atlanta Hawks. On August 25, 2020, he underwent successful arthroscopic surgery to repair a meniscal tear in his right knee, missing the postseason.
Chicago Bulls Era (2021–2023)
On March 25, 2021, Green was traded to the Chicago Bulls in a three-team deal involving the Washington Wizards. The Bulls re-signed him on August 19, 2021, and he became a key rotation player known for his defensive intensity and athleticism. He quickly became a fan favorite in Chicago. Bulls commentator Stacey King famously created a phrase celebrating Green’s defensive plays, declaring, “There are five Javonte’s out there!” after strong defensive sequences. Green played nearly three seasons with the Bulls before his time in Chicago ended.
Santa Cruz Warriors and Return to Chicago (2023–2024)
On October 16, 2023, Green signed with the Golden State Warriors but was waived three days later. He joined the Golden State G League affiliate, the Santa Cruz Warriors, on October 30. On March 23, 2024, Green returned to the Chicago Bulls on a 10-day contract and signed for the remainder of the season on April 4. He recorded a career-high performance on April 5, scoring 25 points and grabbing 13 rebounds in a 108–100 victory against the New York Knicks.
New Orleans Pelicans and Cleveland Cavaliers (2024–2025)
On August 22, 2024, Green signed with the New Orleans Pelicans. He appeared in 39 games with the Pelicans during the 2024–25 season. On February 20, 2025, Green and the Pelicans agreed to a contract buyout. He signed with the Cleveland Cavaliers on February 23, 2025, joining the team for the remainder of the season.
Detroit Pistons (2025–Present)
On August 15, 2025, Green signed a one-year contract with the Detroit Pistons. In his first season with the Pistons, he proved to be a durable and reliable contributor, appearing in all 82 regular season games while averaging 8.2 points and 4.1 rebounds per game as a key rotation player for the rebuilding franchise.
Defensive Identity and Strengths
Green has built his professional career on defensive versatility and energy. His 6-foot-5 frame and 205-pound frame allow him to guard multiple positions effectively. He has shown the ability to disrupt opposing offenses with his quick hands and anticipation, leading his leagues in steals during his overseas career. Offensively, Green is an efficient scorer who can finish at the rim and knock down open jump shots. His ability to impact games without requiring high usage has made him a valuable rotation player throughout his career.
Javonte Green Career Statistics
Throughout his professional career spanning over a decade, Green has accumulated impressive statistics across multiple leagues and countries. His collegiate career at Radford established him as one of the most accomplished players in school history, while his overseas career showcased his ability to dominate at a high level before transitioning to the NBA.
College Statistics (Radford University)
Green finished his four-year collegiate career with 1,911 points, 1,064 rebounds and 245 steals across 133 games. He ranks second all-time in scoring and first in both rebounds and steals in Radford history. His single-season steal record of 68 stood as the program benchmark.
Overseas Career Highlights
During his professional career in Europe, Green earned MVP honors in the Spanish LEB Plata league while leading his team to a championship. In Italy, he averaged nearly 17 points per game across two seasons while establishing himself as one of the league’s top defenders. His time in Germany included a BBL All-Star selection.
Javonte Green Personal Life
Green holds dual citizenship in the United States and Montenegro. He made his debut with the Montenegro national basketball team in 2017 during the European 2019 FIBA Basketball World Cup qualifiers, averaging 11 points, 4.5 rebounds and four steals in two games. Green has two daughters and one son. His son was born on August 26, 2020, one day after Green underwent knee surgery.
2025 Season Performance
The 2024–25 season saw Green continue his journeyman NBA career after beginning the year with the New Orleans Pelicans. Following his mid-season departure from New Orleans, he joined the Cleveland Cavaliers and provided valuable depth as a defensive-minded wing. Green signed with the Detroit Pistons in August 2025, marking a new chapter with a young and rebuilding franchise. His durability and consistency have remained trademarks of his game, with Green continuing to carve out a role as a reliable rotation player capable of defending multiple positions while contributing efficient scoring.