Hornets provide injury update on Josh Green. What does it mean for team’s offseason?
Even in the offseason, the Charlotte Hornets can’t get away from the injury bug.
Josh Green underwent surgery to address instability in his left shoulder, a procedure that took place two months after the team wrapped up its 2024-25 season in April. He will be out indefinitely.
Although the Hornets say the forward is expected to make a full recovery, no timetable for his return was given, clouding exactly what the injury means for the team heading into training camp in the fall.
Green is the second member of the Hornets’ starting lineup to undergo surgery over the past few months. Star guard LaMelo Ball had arthroscopic surgery in March to address right ankle impingement, and his right wrist was also operated on in a separate procedure.
Acquired nearly a year ago from Dallas in a six-team trade that propelled Klay Thompson to the Mavericks, Green was one of the Hornets’ first major additions under Jeff Peterson, president of basketball operations. Green was coming off a career best season in which he averaged 8.2 points, 3.2 rebounds, 2.3 assists and nailed 1.3 three-pointers per game.
In his initial season with the Hornets, however, Green had his inconsistencies. Known for his defense, his offensive production waned often — as evidenced by his average of 7.4 points per game — and coach Charles Lee has said he’s challenged Green to be more balanced on both sides of the ball in 2025-26, when Green will earn $13.6 million in the second season of three-year, $41 million deal.
The latest injury news for a franchise that’s had more than its share over the better part of the past decade comes just before the NBA Draft, which is scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday at Barclays Center in New York.
Charlotte holds the fourth overall selection and also boasts picks No. 33 and 34 early in the second round. Since the draft order was revealed following the lottery in May, league sources told the Observer the Hornets really like Baylor’s VJ Edgecombe, and that hasn’t changed.
Edgecombe will reportedly work out for Charlotte before going to New York for final preparations leading into the draft. And with Green’s status uncertain heading into Lee’s second second season, defense could be that much more of a necessity for the Hornets now.
Edgecombe is considered one of the most athletic guards in this year’s draft class, and scouts rave about his defensive skills and length, highlighted by a 6-foot-7 wingspan.
