Javonte Green: Overseas Journey Fuels Pistons Success

The Undrafted Path to NBA Stardom

Javonte Green's story is one of perseverance and transformation. After declaring for the 2015 NBA Draft out of Radford University, where he was a two-time First-Team All-Big South selection and the Big South Defensive Player of the Year, Green went undrafted. Scouts were uncertain about his position in the modern NBA, leaving him with limited options.

Undeterred, Green took the road less traveled, pursuing a career overseas. His journey began in 2015 with Marín Peixegalego in Spain's third division, followed by stints with Pallacanestro Trieste in Italy's second division and Ratiopharm Ulm in Germany's Basketball Bundesliga. During his time abroad, Green averaged 16.3 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 2.3 steals per game, earning league MVP honors in 2016. More importantly, he learned the fundamentals of team basketball.

"I learned how to play basketball. It isn't about one guy over there; it is all about team basketball," Green explained. "For me, it was all about finding a way to inject myself into that, learning how to play the right way, whether off the ball or on defense, playing the passing lanes or in transition."

From Europe to the NBA

Green's overseas experience laid the groundwork for his NBA career, which began with the Boston Celtics in 2019. He has since played for four franchises, including a four-year tenure with the Chicago Bulls. Now, as a member of the Detroit Pistons' "Bench Mob," Green has become a central figure in the team's historic start—their best in 17 years.

Coach J.B. Bickerstaff has praised Green's impact both on and off the court. "In the short period of time that we have been together, I admire the way he approaches the game and his understanding of how to impact winning," Bickerstaff said. "He is a selfless guy who makes effort play after effort play. He has a high basketball IQ and he loves to compete."

Through the first nine games of the 2025-26 season, Green has averaged 5.1 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 17.6 minutes per game while shooting 35.0% from three-point range. His defensive intensity and high basketball IQ have made him a natural carrier of the Pistons' identity.

International Experience Shores Up NBA Game

Green's international travels have not only honed his skills but also broadened his perspective. His recent trip to Mexico City for the NBA Mexico Game marked his second time visiting the country. The first came during his G League stint with the Santa Cruz Warriors, when they faced the Capitanes.

"This is my second time," Green noted. "The last time I played here, it was kind of tough," he added, recalling the challenges of playing at Mexico City's high elevation (2,240 meters). Despite the physical demands, Green and the Pistons rose to the occasion, defeating the Dallas Mavericks 122-110 in this year's contest.

These experiences have instilled a global mindset that Green now brings to Detroit. "My experience has been great so far," he shared. "From the style of play on the offensive and defensive end, it has been great to play for a team where there is so much trust. A lot of guys care for one another, and now, that has instilled a winning culture."

The Future in Detroit

As the Pistons continue their surprising season, Green's role is expected to grow. His ability to adapt, compete, and elevate his teammates aligns perfectly with Detroit's vision. "It's always about going out there and playing the right way," Green emphasized. "If we all play the right way and fulfill our roles, I feel like we will be one of the top teams, and everyone else in this locker room believes that as well."

From the Spanish third division to the bright lights of the NBA, Javonte Green's journey is a testament to the power of hard work and resilience. His overseas path not only revived his career but also helped forge a winning culture in Detroit—one that could lead the Pistons to new heights.