As NBA history has shown, winners need stars complemented by role players who can do their jobs effectively.

The Charlotte Hornets have the potential to be one as long as LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller stay healthy and because of their other roster members. One of those expected to play a key role in the rotation is Josh Green.

The former Dallas Mavericks swingman played a minor role in the grand scheme of the blockbuster deal with Klay Thompson. However, the Hornets actually managed to acquire the player who would be the fifth starter alongside Ball, Miller, Mark Williams and Miles Bridges.

Unfortunately, the Greens also fell victim to the injury bug and were forced to miss portions of the preseason and two of Charlotte’s first three games of the regular season.

On Wednesday he finally made his debut in the team’s starting lineup. His influence was evident just five minutes into the game against the Toronto Raptors.

One of the glaring problems the Hornets faced in previous games was that they got off to a slow start and had to play from behind. That wasn’t the case against Toronto, as they took a 9-0 lead and forced the visiting team into a timeout at 9:20 of the first quarter. To start, Green sank a three-pointer, assisted on Nick Richards’ slam and played solid defense.

Of course, the 23-year-old Australian is not the only reason why Charlotte has finally overcome her problems. However, his ability to hit shots to stretch the floor, make great passes, and provide great defense was definitely a catalyst for the team’s unusually incredible start.

The Raptors caught up quickly, but it wasn’t Green’s fault. It didn’t help the Hornets that Ball committed two turnovers and Bridges shot 1-for-4 from the field in the first five minutes of the contest. Therefore, the University of Arizona product went to the bench with a plus/minus of just +2 and a stat line of three points, one assist and one steal.

Luckily, Charlotte’s bank took over. The team scored by far the most goals it has scored in the opening period this season as it entered the second quarter with a 30-16 lead. Perhaps the strong start allowed Tre Mann to play with less pressure and score 10 points in the first stanza. Not to mention, with a healthy Green, the Hornets don’t need to start Cody Martin.

It remains to be seen whether the Hornets can maintain their lead and take a 2-2 lead ahead of a difficult three-game stretch.