Draymond Green is one of the most unlikely superstars that the NBA has seen in recent years. Drafted in at 35th overall by the Golden State Warriors, Green was not expected to evolve into the defensive stalwart that he eventually became. The 2012 NBA draft saw a number of lesser players being picked over Draymond Green. This includes Andrew Nicholson, who was picked 19th overall by the Orlando Magic and was given a contract worth $6,826,593. Unfortunately for Nicholson, he never really got going in the NBA.
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Green, on the other hand, had always shown an ability to defend against much bigger opponents, even back in college at Michigan State. He also made impressive offensive contributions as the primary playmaker. His 3-point shot was expected to improve in the years that followed. While that never quite happened, Green became one of the best defenders in the league and an integral part of the 4 championships the Warriors have won in the past decade. A 4-time All-Star and the 2017 Defensive Player of the Year, Green was quickly viewed as a surprise draft steal for his franchise.
Recently speaking on “Podcast P with Paul George,” Green confessed his chagrin at one particular player who was picked over him in the 2012 draft. The 33-year-old ridiculed 19th pick Andrew Nicholson, claiming that the Canadian didn’t even look like a basketball player.
Draymond Green expresses frustration over being picked 35th overall in 2012 NBA draft
Considering Green’s achievements until now, he has already become one of the biggest draft steals in the history of the league. After being selected 35th overall, Green evolved into one of the best defenders and playmakers in the league. He was an integral part of the success the Warriors have had so far. Alongside Klay Thompson and Stephen Curry, Green is easily the third most important player for the franchise in the last decade.
Considering his success, there is little doubt that several players who were selected over him ended up achieving far less. This includes Andrew Nicholson, who Green said did not even look like a basketball player. The 33-year-old took multiple digs at Nicholson. He claimed that he would automatically lose respect when he saw players like him against his team:
“Not to throw salt at anybody, but like, Andrew Nicholson was drafted over me at like 19. When it comes to winning, half the battle is looking like a basketball player. When you’re on a team, and you look at the other side of the floor, and if you see guys that don’t look like basketball players, you automatically lose respect. And when you lose respect for those guys, you do things to them in the game that you otherwise wouldn’t have done if you respected that guy. This guy doesn’t really even look like a basketball player, his weird body shape, don’t get me wrong, like, I don’t have the body of Adonis. He like, walks like this, and talks like this. No way that this guy is gonna be better than me at basketball. I just don’t see that. That was one that really, really, really, pissed me off.”
While Green does have a point. Always an outspoken personality, Green is a true defensive stalwart. His value goes far beyond the limited offensive contributions he lends. He also has his own podcast, “The Draymond Green” show. Here, regularly bares his feelings on all things related to basketball.
Are the Golden State Warriors aiming for one last title push with Green?
The Golden State Warriors have been a consistent menace for all NBA teams in the last decade. A talented and experienced core has always had the ability to deliver when it matters most.
The likes of Curry, Thompson, and Green will be supported by Chris Paul to form a tantalizing core on paper. Green was all praise for Paul during his podcast appearance. He also claimed that he was looking forward to learning things from the veteran.
His Podcast P appearance shed light on a range of topics. This included the impact Kevin Durant’s famous move to the Warriors had on his individual game.
Green is one of the most frank players in the league. He never fails to speak his mind and appears to be looking ahead to the new season.
