Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green is a tough competitive player, and he respects other players who have those same qualities. So, it was no surprise that when Los Angeles Lakers power forward Julius Randle yelled “he can’t guard me!” after drawing a foul on Green last season, Green’s reaction was one of respect, not anger. To this day, Green thinks very highly of Randle and his potential, reports Mark Medina of the Orange County Register:
After seeing the video clip on Twitter shortly after it happened, Green said his respect for Randle deepened. Green believes Randle “can be real special,” raving about his length, athleticism and playmaking. Green also said he considers the comparisons between him and Randle “cool.” Those comparisons have been drawn more frequently with Randle’s expected emergence under new Lakers coach Luke Walton, who spent the previous two seasons as a Golden State assistant.
Will Randle validate those comparisons?
“I think he can. I also think he has the potential to be better,” Green said. “With the God-given gifts he has, he has the potential to be better. I’ll continue to grow. I’ll never stop working and I’ll continue to get better. But what is he, 21? That’s a lot of time to continue to grow.”
…
“The thing about him you can’t teach is his heart,” Green said. “When you have that heart and type of dog in you, you’re going to work. I think he can be really, really, really good.”
Lakers head coach Luke Walton responded:
Walton said he “absolutely” saw Randle and Green as a “good comparison” before praising their athleticism and playmaking. He then pointed out Green’s superior jump shooting before complimenting Randle for his offseason efforts to improve in that area. Walton then added, “that could be someone you compare to down the road.”
The two players are certainly similar in their ‘tweener’ sizes and diverse skillsets. However, Green is obviously the much more decorated player (NBA champion, All-Star, All-NBA member, two-time First Team All-Defensive Team member). Currently, Randle isn’t anywhere near Green in terms of skill or overall ability. However, Randle is five years younger than Green. I have to disagree with Green here, in that I believe that Randle surpassing Green feels highly unlikely. I cannot say that it’s impossible, though.
Regardless of how I or anybody else feels, it was certainly high praise, and Randle appreciated the compliment:
Walton said he “absolutely” saw Randle and Green as a “good comparison” before praising their athleticism and playmaking. He then pointed out Green’s superior jump shooting before complimenting Randle for his offseason efforts to improve in that area. Walton then added, “that could be someone you compare to down the road.”
