The Golden State Warriors are on their way to claiming home court advantage during the Western Conference playoffs, which is useful considering how difficult it will be to win the West this season. A big reason for their success is Draymond Green and he’s due for a new contract this season.
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Green is a restricted free agent, so the Warriors can match any contract that he is offered. After a breakout season this year, Green will likely earn a big paycheck, but not everybody agrees. According to Howard Beck of Bleacher Report, one particular scout believes Green is not that talented and his numbers are product of a system:
“He’s one of those guys who’s a product of the system. I’d be very uncomfortable paying him zillions of dollars. He is situationally [valuable]. He’s got two great point guards, he gets a lot of surplus stuff from them. He’s a good rebounder. He’s a complementary guy. But he’s going to get paid like a second or third option, probably. I would be cautious, if I’m any team other than Golden State. I’m not sure his talents are totally transferable. He’s just not that talented. He does the little things, he can guard, he’s a winning player. What they like about him is his leadership; he’s become the leader of that team. I’m not sure that’s transferable.”
It’s unfortunate the scout didn’t feel inclined to attach his name to such a strong statement about Draymond Green. He not only diminished Green’s accomplishments this season, but he credits his success to the system the Warriors have in place. He doesn’t think Green is that talented and believes it would be a mistake for any other NBA team to make an offer.
Green is used to listening to all the doubters. Coming out of Michigan State, these scouts didn’t believe his size would translate to the NBA game. Well, they were wrong and Green has become a starter for the best team in the West.
This is the type of bulletin material Green needs to elevate his game to another level. He plays with a chip on his shoulder and the Warriors like it that way.