To appreciate Josh Green’s value to Charlotte, you need to look at the stats.

Charlotte Hornets Guard Josh Green has provided a defensive boost since his return, although the team’s overall play on that end of the floor hasn’t been nearly what head coach Charles Lee expected.

In his first two games this season, Green recorded three blocks and two steals while shooting 5/11 from the field and 4/7 from three-point territory. He’s never been known as a serious goal-scoring player, but when he picks up the ball, he’s a consistent saver.

As Grant Williams said after a win over the Toronto Raptors earlier in the week, Green does all the little things that usually go unnoticed.

“Josh’s influence often doesn’t show up in penalties. He does a phenomenal job of chasing guys, whether it’s full court or half court, or guarding guys off screen. Even the shots where they shoot at cool floats – he’s right there. We have to give him credit. I think he’s one of the best complementary guys in the league and he has a great opportunity to be himself on this team. I’m really excited for him to be able to play his game and whether he makes a mistake or not, just keep playing hard. I’m just really glad he has this opportunity and does his thing.”

When you have a creative player like LaMelo Ball running the offense, he will take risks with the basketball and sometimes that leads to turnovers. He’s also a great shooter, and pairing him with another ball-dominant guard in the backcourt wouldn’t make much sense. You want LaMelo to run the ball and create plays for himself and his teammates.

Green is a great fit because he has always taken very good care of the rock and is a type one, pass two, shoot three player. He has the confidence to knock down shots, but he will do whatever it takes to help his teammates make plays before he does. Plus, as Grant mentioned, he’s one of the best defenders on the roster, which helps offset Ball’s vulnerability.

As much as Green brings defensive depth to the Hornets, there may come a point where Tre Mann may score too many points to keep him on the bench early in games. I do think we put too much emphasis on who’s in the starting lineup and who’s on the bench because minutes aren’t necessarily limited when you’re not starting.

However, the Hornets might want to start games with a strong scoring trio of LaMelo Ball, Brandon Miller and Mann rather than wait about five minutes before sending him to the scorer’s table.

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