Most NBA Players Should Learn from Draymond Green

Undersized. Overrated. System player. Overpaid. These have all been words that critics have used to describe the Warriors star power forward, Draymond Green. Whether it’s his vocal presence that he’ll proudly broadcast or his will to play ever game like it’s the finale of a tough playoff series, Green warrants tons of hate. Ironically, players should take note.

Draymond Green is the type of dude that more players in the NBA should be like.

He was never highly-scouted after spending four years as a Spartan in Michigan State. Several said he wasn’t in shape while twice as many people said he wouldn’t last in the league due to his size and lack of natural talent. Because of this and his admirable work ethic, Green has become one of the best stories in the NBA. Whether you’d like to admit it or not, you would absolutely be thrilled to have a guy of his caliber on your favorite basketball team.Scouts were skeptical of Green’s abilities heading into the NBA Draft in 2012.

“From a physical standpoint, Green is a below average prospect at best, as he’s severely undersized with underwhelming athleticism and struggles at times with his conditioning due to his hefty frame. He gets his shot blocked quite a bit around the basket, is often the last one making his way up the court in transition, and can look quite winded at times, which hampers him defensively and can get him in foul trouble.”

Regardless, Green projects as an excellent pro prospect who should be able to make a solid living at a high level in Europe, where he can continue to play his natural position at the 4/5. If he can find a way to continue to improve his shooting range and show better defensive versatility than we’re giving him credit for, he could possibly make a stronger case for himself for the NBA.

-DraftExpress

Europe, folks. Europe. The doubt was at an all-time high. Others didn’t think Green would last in the NBA because he simply couldn’t defend any position. Or so they claimed.

The Michigan State product was under the shadow of Harrison Barnes when he first entered the league. Playing the same position and entering the league in the same year, many failed to recognize Green while everyone was excited for the Black Falcon. As expected, though. Barnes was the flashy lottery pick out of North Carolina while Green was a second round product that several didn’t think would even last in the league. More false expectations couldn’t have been made up.

Fast forward to the 2014-15 NBA season and All-Star power forward David Lee is battling lingering injuries. Steve Kerr names the 6’7” Green starting power forward and the rest is history. Green splayed and started in 79 games for Golden State and had a remarkable season. He averaged 11.7 points, 8.2 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 1.6 steals, and 1.3 blocks per game. He also nailed 111 three-pointers and became the ideal stretch-four that Kerr and the Warriors envisioned after all.

Green landed second place behind Kawhi Leonard in the Defensive Player of the Year voting and with his ability to guard the 1-5 positions, he is considered one of the best defensive players in the league. Coach Kerr called Green the heartbeat of the team, much to the joy of the Warriors faithful.

Draymond played a critical role in the NBA Playoffs and especially in the Finals against LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers. He averaged a double-double in the postseason with 13.7 points and 10.1 rebounds in 21 contests. He played center for the Warriors when they were down 1-2 in the final round against the Cavs, and the Warriors didn’t lose a game again. He recorded a triple-double in the championship clinching game. The player who wasn’t even supposed to be on an NBA roster became an NBA Champion.

Fans were calling for the Warriors to hand Draymond Green a blank check this past offseason so he can stay in the Bay Area. The Detroit Pistons attempted to sway Green and have him return to his home-state and play for them. Green remained loyal to the team that drafted him, though, and stayed with the Dubs on a 5-year, $82 million contract.

Some thought the money would go to Green’s head and it would stop his hard-working playing style. Once again, Green continues to prove that he belongs among the highest paid in the league.

Green has stolen the title of the second best player on the team from Splash Brother, Klay Thompson. Not only is he the second best player, but he is clearly the most valuable behind Stephen Curry. He defends every position on the floor and has improved incredibly on offensively.
The player that once couldn’t create his own shot has become a facilitator, now being able to create for others alongside himself. Green is averaging 6.8 assists per game. He’s already had three triple-doubles this season and continues to show that last year’s breakout season was far from a fluke. Green became the first Warrior to have back-to-back games with a triple-double since Wilt Chamberlain did it … in 1964.

Other NBA players need to learn from Green.

He didn’t cause any drama with the team in the offseason. He actually took less than the max-contract money offered to help the Warriors land other free agents or lock up players on the team. One of his first few purchases with his new deal? A $3.1 million donation to his alma mater. Michigan State. His numbers this season? Much better than last year, all across the board.

Last May, when the Warriors were struggling against the Grizzlies in the Western Conference Semi-Finals and Steph Curry wasn’t playing his best, Draymond Green took him out of the hotel room to get his mind off the game. Green along with a few other teammates acted like true teammates and helped their star player be at ease during a tense playoff series.

The 25-year-old forward from Saginaw is a player you love to have on your favorite team and hate to play against. His defensive numbers are out of this world so far through 18 games. This graph via NBA.com should do some justice.

Green isn’t one to throw any of his teammates under the bus, want to put himself above others, or cause chaos. His hard work on the floor is something other NBA players should take not of, especially if they lack skill and athleticism to stay relevant on the professional level.

He compared Oakland to Saginaw and says he feels at home in the Bay Area. With his play on the court and his chemistry with the rest of the squad, it’s safe to say Green will remain a Warriors for the long haul. Jerry West called him a top ten player in the week just a few days ago. He should be an All-Star for the first time this year.

Most players play harder when they know it’s a contract year, so they can get paid, then they fall off. He has taken the opposite path and has progressed into a star in the league and one of the best power forwards today.

Most players in the league should take note and learn from Draymond Green.