Draymond Green = Modern day KG?

[Denis998]

I think he is a modern day Mel Gibson.

[Big333223]

They're two totally different players if you ask me. Green is much more versatile defensively, but overall he can't hold KG's jockstraps offensively and all around.

I think you forget just how versatile KG was on defense.

As basketball players, the comparison is weak because of how different the two are (one long and athletic, the other undersized but burly). But the personalities, the drive, and the basketball IQ's of the two guys are comparable.

[CelticSince83]

One is a top 25 player in NBA history, the other is a top 25 guy in today's league.  The Anthony Mason comp was better than KG.  I actually struggle to think of someone he is really comparable to.

[jpotter33]

They're two totally different players if you ask me. Green is much more versatile defensively, but overall he can't hold KG's jockstraps offensively and all around.

I think you forget just how versatile KG was on defense.

As basketball players, the comparison is weak because of how different the two are (one long and athletic, the other undersized but burly). But the personalities, the drive, and the basketball IQ's of the two guys are comparable.

I don't think KG could guard the wings and swing players on a consistent basis like Green can, though Green isn't nearly the low post or team defender that KG was/is.

[loco_91]

It's an interesting comp. KG changed the PF position and now Green is doing the same. They're totally different players and Green isn't nearly as dominant individually on either end, but if you look at KG he was one of the first to play outside-in on offense while dominating inside on D. He never went all the way out to the 3pt line and he didn't switch onto smaller players. Green is equally comfortable both inside and out on both ends, switching screens, making 3's. He's a unique player the same way KG was in his prime.

[obnoxiousmime]

You could say that Green is kind of like a shorter version of KG, a SF/PF hybrid whereas KG due to his height was more of a PF/C. If KG came into the league today he'd definitely be a center though. I think KG has the edge on passing, if KG was on this GS team and with today's style of play he could easily match or exceed Green's assist averages. I look at Green's assist numbers as more a product of the system they play, the number of shot attempts, and the talent around him. Green being smaller can guard guards and forwards which is not something KG did even with his great athleticism. KG also rarely took 3s even though it's something he could have developed.

[LilRip]

Green pounds his chest like KG but he is definitely nowhere near KG. Unless he plays with that intensity in preseason and practice as well, and he's quarterbacking that GS defense (which I don't think he does), and he's got the coaching staff listening to him, then he's not on KG's level. Did you watch Minny's training camp this year? KG looks just as important as Sam Mitchell on that Wolves team. I don't think Green is on that level.

[celticmania]

As far as intensity/leadership absolutely. But he is not even close to being as talented as KG was. Not even close. KG is an all-time great.

[flybono]

He can't hold KG's Jock!

[Tr1boy]

Green had 28 pts vs the Bucks tonight (GSW 1st lose of the year).

He was like the only guy that showed up tonight.  What a beast

I wish we could steal him away from GSW

[SHAQATTACK]

Mini LeBron

[slightly biased bias fan]

I'd say a less naturally talented, less athletic Charles Barkley but seems to be a harder worker.

[34truth]

Crazy, I was thinking the same thing these past weeks

[Clench123]

Love Draymond, but KG is at least a top 25 All-Time talent. Draymond has some work to do before reaching that level, if he's even capable of it.

Top 25?  Wow.  I'm intetrested to know who the last five is.

[inverselock]

Draymond's draftxpress page is interesting.  I never seen players described in this way.  Curious about the tests they use to determine these attributes.  Also wonder how Marcus Smart did in these tests.

http://www.draftexpress.com/profile/Draymond-Green-5859/

"This is not surprising, considering that Green's greatest measurable traits are both his “Dominance”, (88th percentile) and “Team Identity”, (91st percentile) ratings. These categories are defined as “being attentive to others, unpretentious, assertive, uninhibited, and group-oriented.”

Out of over 900 players in the SA database, Green ranks fifth for being a “Rainmaker”, a quality of many overachievers who have the natural ability to connect with others, gain their trust, and align their goals with those of the team. “Rainmakers” are also defined by their “Internal Motivation”, (91st percentile) but Green didn't enter college with that mindset."