Dallas Mavericks small forward Josh Green (elbow) has still not yet been cleared for contact during practice, putting him on the shelf for a further period of time due a sprained right elbow. Green last suited up Dec. 9 and his absence has paved the way for Frank Ntilikina to garner a second unit role, albeit while scuffling mightily from the field (33.3 percent overall). Prior to the injury, Green was earning a career-best 20.3 minutes per night, while shooting 58.3 percent and averaging seven PPG. Further updates will be provided on Green's status as he works his way toward a return.

It's funny that every year at the NBA Draft, once the end of the guaranteed money and live appearances arrives at the end of the first round, everybody tunes out and refers to the 60th pick as "Mr. Irrelevant." That's not very accurate though, is it? Speaking historically, the title of "Mr. Irrelevant" could just as easily be applied to each pick in the draft, as organizations differ greatly in their evaluation of talent and their own needs, particularly in a year without the NCAA tournament. The nickname just doesn't reflect how basketball works anymore. Executives strategically stockpile second-round draft picks for the less burdensome financial obligations, and organizations in rebuilding mode get super creative to field a respectable team on a budget.Particularly in the NBA where worldwide talent is plentiful and positional lines continue to fade, opportunity is everything: in the right situation, the right under-the-radar player can make an immediate, poignant statement. With professional development leagues for 16-18-year-olds, an ever-expanding set of domestic/international opportunities due to the sheer growth of basketball, and widespread NIL rights for college athletes, players of all levels and localities are starting to get their due exposure and now have enough freedom to hone their skills in a place, and at a pace, that fits best with their path to the NBA.Plus, I am inherently skeptical and distrusting of scouting from the high school level to pre-Draft. That's why in this annual article, I tend to favor overlooked college players (love the mid-majors/non-power conferences) with either well-rounded, polished games, or specific statistical specialties.We are going to discuss a handful of 2022 second-round picks and undrafted free agent signees who, given their individual skillsets and circumstances, warrant the attention of Fantasy Basketball Managers as potential high-impact rookies for the 2022-23 campaign who can quietly be acquired on clearance once they start showing signs of emergence. ... [More]

It's funny that every year at the NBA Draft, once the end of the guaranteed money and live appearances arrives at the end of the first round, everybody tunes out and refers to the 60th pick as "Mr. Irrelevant." That's not very accurate though, is it? Speaking historically, the title of "Mr. Irrelevant" could just as easily be applied to each pick in the draft, as organizations differ greatly in their evaluation of talent and their own needs, particularly in a year without the NCAA tournament. The nickname just doesn't reflect how basketball works anymore. Executives strategically stockpile second-round draft picks for the less burdensome financial obligations, and organizations in rebuilding mode get super creative to field a respectable team on a budget.Particularly in the NBA where worldwide talent is plentiful and positional lines continue to fade, opportunity is everything: in the right situation, the right under-the-radar player can make an immediate, poignant statement. With professional development leagues for 16-18-year-olds, an ever-expanding set of domestic/international opportunities due to the sheer growth of basketball, and widespread NIL rights for college athletes, players of all levels and localities are starting to get their due exposure and now have enough freedom to hone their skills in a place, and at a pace, that fits best with their path to the NBA.Plus, I am inherently skeptical and distrusting of scouting from the high school level to pre-Draft. That's why in this annual article, I tend to favor overlooked college players (love the mid-majors/non-power conferences) with either well-rounded, polished games, or specific statistical specialties.We are going to discuss a handful of 2022 second-round picks and undrafted free agent signees who, given their individual skillsets and circumstances, warrant the attention of Fantasy Basketball Managers as potential high-impact rookies for the 2022-23 campaign who can quietly be acquired on clearance once they start showing signs of emergence. ... [More]

Dallas Mavericks guard Josh Green is working to improve his ball-handling and three-point shot this offseason. The 21-year-old did look solid at times with his corner three, but he eventually fell out of the rotation. There is upside in his game, and working with famed trainer Joe Abunassar should improve his game. Also, Jalen Brunson has moved on this offseason, so there should be minutes available in the rotation. Green could impress the organization and earn himself consistent playing time. Fantasy managers shouldn't count on Green being reliable, but he might earn himself a role off the bench.

Dallas Mavericks guard/forward Josh Green joined Reggie Bullock in the health and safety protocols on Sunday, making him unavailable for a visit to Minnesota. Bullock was ruled on Saturday and there is a fair share of extra minutes to be handed out now. Frank Ntilikina (illness) is out as well. Bullock has recorded nine consecutive starts, so Jason Kidd also has to tinker with his starting unit. He will have Sterling Brown (foot) available for selection again and everybody should be ready to log heavy minutes.