We already knew the Bulls forward had an engine that keeps on going and going, but the 29 year old is spreading his wings as a leader on this team.
So far this season, Javonte Green has been impressive as Billy Donovan's first call off the oak. His improved three point shooting (he's raised his % by 3 points) gives the Bulls space and a much needed lift in a "positionless" league that averages close to 39 three point attempts per game. (The Bulls average 29.1)
Green told The Bigs he spent the summer working hard on his three point shot because last year he was basically a non- factor from behind the arc. "Last year you know teams were basically not guarding me, so just trying to go out there and get some respect and make it easy for DeMar and for Zach and "Vuc". Spacing the floor for them so when guys double team them they have to play the whole court and not just focus on them guys." As one of the leaders of the second unit that's been huge for the Bulls through 10 games, two things you know you'll get from Green...intensity and effort. Donovan raves about the heart and fearlessness Green plays with. "He leads with a lot of energy with his hustle plays, loose balls and getting out in transition. When Javonte is out there, you know what you'll get." Green echoed his head coach's sentiments. "I've just always been like that. I don't know where I get the energy from honestly. I just play hard and lead by example so I just try to go out there and play as hard as I can and do the little things that guys don't do." Players like Green who are all over the place just have a knack for finding the ball...or the ball finding them. The undrafted guard from Radford is averaging five less minutes & almost one point less per game than last season but he's playing a more defined role. On a night where Zach Lavine, DeMar DeRozan, Nikola Vucevic & Ayo Dosunmu went a combined 14-53 (Nov. 2 vs Hornets), it was great to see Green come out aggressive from the jump and set the tone for the second unit offensively.
There was talk of him joining the starting lineup after a very slow start to the season by Patrick Williams but coming off the bench is the best possible situation for Green and the team as a whole.. "P Will" aka "The Paw" (as Green calls him) seems to have found a spark over the last four games and Javonte said he's always in his ear. "I'm always encouraging "The Paw". I always encourage him to just be aggressive. You been playing. basketball your whole life. You ain't gotta take a backseat to nobody even though you got DeMar and Zach out there. You know how to score the ball, you know your game. Just play your game. I'm very excited for him."
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