Draymond Green: Highlights, Analysis and Pro Projections

Draymond Green is a tweener whose fundamentals and intangibles would make him a solid addition to any contender.

Green helped lead the Michigan State Spartans to the Sweet 16 in the 2012 NCAA tournament. He is one of the best leaders in the draft, and unfortunately, that is one of the more underrated qualities for prospects.

Green's diverse skill set is sometimes hidden by his lack of ideal height and less-than-freakish athleticism. Despite less-than-ideal physical gifts, Green got it done on the collegiate level, and I think he has a future as an NBA player.

ESPN's Chad Ford has Green slated for the Miami Heat in his mock draft 5.0, and that would be an ideal fit. Green's skill set, demeanor and leadership would be great in South Beach, and he may make some teams sorry they passed on him.

Here is a scouting report on Green, highlighting his strengths and weaknesses.

(Height, weight and stats per statsheet.com.)

Profile

Height: 6'7"

Weight: 230 pounds 

School: Michigan State

Date of Birth: March 4, 1990

Best NBA Position: Small Forward

College Stats (Key Stats Underlined): 16.2 PPG, 33.2 MPG, 44.9 FG%, 38.8 3FG%, 72.3 FT%, 3.8 APG, 10.6 RPG, 0.9 BPG, 1.5 SPG

Skill Grades

Athleticism: C+

Size: B

Intangibles: A+

Rebounding: A+

Ball-Handling: B+

Defense: B

Shooting: A

Passing: A

Post Game: A

Basketball IQ: A+

Upside: C

Strengths

Green is a natural leader with a very high basketball IQ. He understands the game, and he plays within himself.

He also is a very good shooter from distance, and he has the strength to take some small forwards in the post. He has the versatility to play both forward positions as well.

Though he isn't the fastest nor the tallest player, Green has very long arms that help him be effective close to the basket. 

Green is also an excellent passer. He feeds the post well, creates for others out of the post and has a solid recognition for cutting teammates. As a small forward, Green is a stellar rebounder; as a power forward, he is still above average on the glass.

Green has a plethora of skills that are hidden a bit by his physical shortcomings. Here are some examples of the way he positively affects the game for his team:

  

Weaknesses

Green is undersized at 6'7", and he's not explosive. He will have some issues guarding quick wing players and long post players. He could stand to be better off the dribble, too; right now, his perimeter game is all based on his jump shot.

Because of his limited athleticism and size, Green doesn't have much upside, but he will be a solid player in the NBA.

NBA Player Comparison: Better-Shooting Anthony Mason

 

Mason was a third-round pick of the Portland Trail Blazers in 1988. Beyond being one of the toughest players in the history of the game, Mason was very versatile. He could handle the ball, he could pass and he was strong as a bull.

Green isn't quite as strong, but he does everything else Mason did, and he shoots the ball better.

In Mason's 13-year career, he averaged 11 points, 8.3 rebounds and 3.8 assists per game. His playing measurements were 6'7" and 250 pounds, which is very similar to Green's stature, and I could see him having similar production.

The similarities in versatility are apparent, but the intangibles could allow Green to have a bigger impact than Mason.

Draft Projection: Late First Round

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