The Dallas Mavericks had the 18th overall pick in the 2020 NBA draft. They drafted 20-year-old shooting guard Josh Green from the Arizona Wildcats.

Green is a great defender and is capable of shooting the ball. He can become a crucial member for the Mavs for years to come. His skill set could provide the Mavericks with more defensive versatility. Green is very similar to Mavs’ fresh addition Josh Richardson and will be eager to learn from the veteran.

Green recently spoke with K&C Masterpiece on 105.3 The Fan [KRLD-FM]. When asked about why he chose #8 as his jersey number Green said, “I chose No. 8 because I started playing basketball in my front yard when I was a little kid always trying to be like Kobe Bryant.”

Green continued to talk about how Kobe inspired him. “I Used to have his jersey on all the time, I used to be doing the countdown for myself, getting ready to shoot a buzzer-beater.

“So for me, I love No. 8. Kobe Bryant started his rookie year off with No. 8, and that’s one of the biggest reasons I play basketball today, so I think it’s cool to be able to wear that number.”

Dallas Mavericks- Real contenders for the title?

The Dallas Mavericks have some quality players on their side. They already have an MVP caliber player in Luka Doncic paired with a superb center in Kristaps Porzingis.

When both the stars were on the floor, the team looked like an outfit that could mount a real challenge to any other team. If not for Porzingis’ injury they had a real chance of defeating the Clippers.

The one thing the Mavs lacked last season was defense. They gave away 112 points per 100 possessions last season. They needed to bolster their defense this offseason.

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The addition of Josh Green checks all those boxes. As a freshman, Green averaged 1.5 steals a game. He also shot 36.1% from three. He surely can improve on the jumper, but surely gives a defensive boost to the team. Green along with Josh Richardson and Dorian Finney-Smith will surely make the Mavs defense much more efficient.

The Dallas Mavericks were already one of the best teams as far as offensive prowess was concerned. With all their new additions, they will have a solid defense as well.

With a fit Porzingis and Doncic leading the charge with a much better defense, the Mavs will surely be one of the contenders for the title next season.