Josh Green sidelined after shoulder surgery

• Josh Green shot almost 40% from three for the Charlotte Hornets this season
• He averaged more than one steal per game in 68 games in 2024-25
• Green's skill set aligns well with the direction of the modern NBA

Charlotte Hornets guard Josh Green has undergone surgery to address instability in his left shoulder, the team announced today. The procedure comes two months after the Hornets concluded their 2024-25 season in April, and while the team expects Green to make a full recovery, no timetable has been established for his return to action.

This latest setback creates uncertainty for the Hornets as they approach training camp later this year, with Green becoming the second starter from the team to require surgical intervention in recent months.

Green's Journey with the Hornets

Green joined the Hornets nearly a year ago as part of a significant six-team trade that saw Klay Thompson move to the Dallas Mavericks. The Australian guard represented one of the first major acquisitions under Jeff Peterson's leadership as president of basketball operations.

Prior to arriving in Charlotte, Green was coming off the most productive season of his career with the Mavericks, where he averaged 8.2 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game while connecting on 1.3 three-pointers per contest.

However, Green's first season with the Hornets didn't quite meet expectations. While his defensive abilities remained his calling card, his offensive contributions were inconsistent, reflected in a modest 7.4 points per game average. This performance fell short of his previous campaign in Dallas, raising questions about his role and effectiveness within the Hornets' system.

Head coach Charles Lee has publicly challenged Green to develop a more balanced approach on both sides of the ball for the upcoming 2025-26 season. Green is set to earn $13.6 million in the second year of his three-year, $41 million contract, representing a significant investment from the Hornets' front office.

Mounting Injury Concerns

Green's surgery adds to a growing list of health concerns for the Hornets. Star guard LaMelo Ball underwent two separate surgical procedures in March – an arthroscopic surgery to address right ankle impingement and another operation on his right wrist.

These injuries to key rotation players have disrupted the Hornets' ability to build continuity and chemistry, factors that will be crucial as Lee enters his second season at the helm. The timing of Green's surgery, coming in the offseason, at least allows for recovery time before the 2025-26 campaign begins in earnest, though his availability for training camp remains in doubt.

The absence of a specific timeline for Green's return creates strategic challenges for the front office as they make decisions in the upcoming draft and consider potential free agent acquisitions.

NBA Draft Implications

With Green's status uncertain, the Hornets' approach to the upcoming NBA Draft takes on additional significance. Charlotte holds the fourth overall selection in next week's draft, along with two early second-round picks at numbers 33 and 34.

League sources have consistently indicated to the Observer that the Hornets have strong interest in Baylor's VJ Edgecombe. Reports suggest Edgecombe will work out for Charlotte before heading to New York for final draft preparations.

Edgecombe's defensive capabilities could prove particularly valuable given Green's indefinite absence. The Hornets' need for perimeter defense has potentially intensified, which might solidify their interest in Edgecombe or other defensively-oriented prospects.

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