Dallas Mavericks hope Green is figuring game out

Post #1 » by **HMFFL** » Wed Oct 29, 2008 12:27 pm

If there is a player who has captured the fancy of fans and teammates alike in the Mavericks' preseason, it is Gerald Green.

His high-flying act always attracts attention, which has not always been good because Green has been a tease too many times.

The Mavericks firmly believe this is no tease. Green has energized everybody with his youthful exuberance. He's 22. He's got a ton of athleticism and maybe more savvy than his first three years in the league.

So where does Green stand in the big scheme of things?

"Is he definitely going to be in the rotation against Houston? I don't know," coach Rick Carlisle said. "Would I hesitate to use him? Absolutely not."

Green will probably be one of those players who provides a change of pace off the bench. If the Mavericks are sluggish, he can rev things up. If he comes in and lights up the scoreboard and doesn't make a slew of defensive mistakes, he'll play.

If he has mental lapses, he'll sit.

"Based on his preseason, he's certainly in the equation as a guy we got to consider for the rotation," Carlisle said. "But in the last game, you saw some of the things that have been his nemeses – over-dribbling a little bit, turnovers, a couple defensive mistakes. But he established over the first seven games some real consistency in those areas. So I don't look at those things as super-negatives."

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Post #2 » by **catalyst** » Wed Oct 29, 2008 2:55 pm

Exactly what we expect. Bass and Marquis Daniels are definitely the exception to free agent youngster. They played in droves and hopefully green can do so as well. I was at the sac game, and every time he got the ball there was fan excitement.

Realmavsman · Post #3 » by **Realmavsman** » Wed Oct 29, 2008 8:30 pm

I don't know how you can not be excited about a 22 yr old with 4 years NBA experience, all the athletic ability in the world and a jumpshot that is very acurate. Usually these ultra athletic guys don't have a stroke. This guy is a very good shooter from long range and he can finish around the basket.

Really the only question mark for me is will he get the defensive side of the ball. He is certainly young enough to be able to learn to use his athletic ability to become a good defender. Dirk improved immensley defensively from a young player to where he is now. He is not a great defender but alot of that is because while he is athletic for a 7 ft white guy he is not able to stay with quicker players. Green should have no such handicap. He is as quick and athletic as anyone on the floor. It is just a matter of learning how to use it.

I hope Green has a good year but not a great one. That is because I really want the Mavs to be able to retain this guy. If he is great than other teams can outbid us. I think he could end up being a really good player in this league for many years to come. Since we gave away our 1st round picks guys like Green have to be the young talent that will become our future.