Javonte Green Bio
Javonte Green (born July 23, 1993) is an American-Montenegrin professional basketball player for the Detroit Pistons of the National Basketball Association (NBA). Standing 6 feet 5 inches tall and weighing 205 pounds, Green has built his reputation as a versatile wing known for defense, rebounding, and hustle plays.
After playing college basketball for the Radford Highlanders, Green went undrafted in the 2015 NBA draft and spent five years playing overseas in Spain, Italy, and Germany. He made his NBA debut in 2019 with the Boston Celtics and has since played for the Chicago Bulls, the Santa Cruz Warriors of the NBA G League, the New Orleans Pelicans, and the Cleveland Cavaliers, before joining the Detroit Pistons in August 2025.
Early Life and Background
Green was born and raised in Petersburg, Virginia, where he lived until the age of 12, at which point he moved in with his aunt in Alberta, Virginia. Growing up in a small-town environment shaped his competitive mindset and work ethic, traits that would later define his professional approach.
He attended Brunswick High School in nearby Lawrenceville, where he played basketball for former Virginia and NBA shooting guard Bryant Stith. As a senior, Green averaged 18.6 points, 5.8 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 3.1 steals per game, leading the Bulldogs to the VHSL Group AA Division 3 state title. He was named first-team All-State and the Virginia Co-Player of the Year.
Green also played football at Brunswick and served as the team’s starting quarterback during his junior and senior years. He was offered a scholarship to James Madison University to play football before ultimately committing to Radford University, the only NCAA Division I program to offer him a basketball scholarship.
Path to Professional Basketball
Green played four seasons as a member of the Radford Highlanders, entering the starting lineup as a freshman and quickly establishing himself as a two-way standout. He averaged 10.2 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 1.4 steals per game in his first year and was named to the Big South Conference’s All-Newcomer team.
As a sophomore, Green led the Highlanders with 14.6 points and 8.1 rebounds per game, earning Second Team All-Big South honors. His junior season saw him average 16.9 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 1.9 steals, setting the school single-season record with 68 steals, and he was named First Team All-Big South. In his senior year, he averaged 15.4 points, 9.0 rebounds, and 1.9 steals, again earning First Team All-Big South recognition along with Big South Defensive Player of the Year honors in 2015.
Green finished his collegiate career as Radford’s all-time leader in rebounds (1,064), steals (245), and games played (133), and ranked second in scoring with 1,911 points. On November 28, 2021, the school retired his number 2 jersey in recognition of his historic contributions to the program.
Javonte Green Career
International Career (2015–2019)
After going undrafted in the 2015 NBA draft, Green signed with Marín Peixegalego of the Spanish third division, LEB Plata, on September 11, 2015. In his first professional season, he averaged 18.0 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 2.2 steals per game and was named LEB Plata Most Valuable Player in 2016, signaling his readiness for higher-level competition.
Green moved to Italy in 2016, signing with Pallacanestro Trieste of Serie A2 Basket. He spent two seasons with Trieste, averaging 15.6 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 2.4 steals in his first year, and 18.1 points, 7.1 rebounds, 1.4 assists, and a league-leading 2.3 steals in his second. In July 2018, Green signed with ratiopharm Ulm of the German Basketball Bundesliga, where he averaged 13.8 points, 4.7 rebounds, 1.6 assists, and 2.3 steals across 51 league and EuroCup games, earning a selection to the 2019 BBL All-Star Game.
Boston Celtics (2019–2021)
Green was invited to the 2019 NBA Summer League as a member of the Boston Celtics, averaging 10.8 points, 4.8 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 1.8 steals across five games. The Celtics signed him to a two-year, partially guaranteed contract on July 25, 2019, and named him to the final roster for the 2019–20 season after a strong preseason.
He made his NBA debut on October 25, 2019, against the Toronto Raptors, becoming the first former Radford player to appear in an NBA game. Green scored his first career points on November 7, 2019, finishing with 12 points on 5-of-9 shooting in a 108–87 win over the Charlotte Hornets, and made his first NBA start on February 3, 2020, against the Atlanta Hawks. On August 25, 2020, he underwent arthroscopic surgery to repair a small meniscal tear in his right knee and missed the postseason.
Chicago Bulls Era (2021–2023)
On March 25, 2021, Green was traded to the Chicago Bulls in a three-team deal involving the Washington Wizards, and the team re-signed him on August 19, 2021. He provided defensive energy and athleticism on the wing across nearly three seasons in Chicago.
On January 11, 2023, Green underwent an arthroscopic debridement to address a bone bruise in his right knee. He returned in limited minutes on March 20, 2023, and appeared in just four remaining games that season.
Santa Cruz Warriors and Return to Chicago (2023–2024)
On October 16, 2023, Green signed with the Golden State Warriors but was waived three days later, and on October 30, 2023, he joined the Santa Cruz Warriors of the NBA G League. On March 23, 2024, he signed a 10-day contract with the Chicago Bulls, and on April 4, 2024, he signed for the remainder of the season. On April 5, 2024, Green recorded a career high with 25 points and 13 rebounds in a 108–100 victory over the New York Knicks.
New Orleans Pelicans and Cleveland Cavaliers (2024–2025)
Green signed with the New Orleans Pelicans on August 22, 2024, and on February 20, 2025, he and the team agreed to a contract buyout. Three days later, on February 23, 2025, he signed with the Cleveland Cavaliers, continuing his role as a defensive specialist and veteran presence.
Detroit Pistons (2025–Present)
On August 15, 2025, Green signed a one-year contract with the Detroit Pistons, joining a young roster in need of veteran wing depth. His arrival in Detroit marked a fresh chapter after a winding professional journey that began overseas in 2015.
Playing Style and Strengths
Green is widely recognized for his perimeter defense, rebounding from the wing position, and ability to guard multiple positions. His high basketball IQ, lateral quickness, and motor make him a valuable rotation piece, while his international experience has helped him adapt to varied roles and systems throughout his NBA career.
Notable Events and Milestones
Green’s career highlights include becoming the first former Radford player to appear in an NBA game, earning LEB Plata MVP honors in 2016, and having his number 2 jersey retired by Radford in 2021. He also posted a career-high 25-point, 13-rebound performance against the New York Knicks on April 5, 2024.
Javonte Green Family
Personal Life
Green holds dual citizenship in the United States and Montenegro and made his debut with the Montenegro national basketball team in 2017 during the 2019 FIBA Basketball World Cup European qualifiers, averaging 11 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 4.0 steals in two games. He has two daughters and one son, and his son was born on August 26, 2020.
2025 Season Performance
Green’s 2025 campaign began with the New Orleans Pelicans, where he served as a veteran wing contributor before agreeing to a contract buyout on February 20, 2025. He quickly found a new home with the Cleveland Cavaliers, signing on February 23, 2025, and providing depth during the second half of the regular season.
On August 15, 2025, Green signed a one-year contract with the Detroit Pistons, joining a rebuilding franchise looking to add experienced defenders. His role in Detroit is expected to center on perimeter defense, rebounding, and leadership in the locker room.
As Green enters the 2025–26 NBA season, his overseas experience and years of NBA service position him as a steady rotational piece. His ability to contribute without demanding significant offensive touches should help him carve out a consistent role with the Pistons.