VITALS: 6-8, 200, Gulf Shore Academy (Houston) OVERVIEW: Green scored a game-high 24 points and made six 3-pointers in the McDonald's All-American Game and also won the slam dunk contest. A two-time All-State selection, Green averaged 33 points, 12 rebounds and seven assists as a senior after leading his school to a 39-2 record as a junior. He also was selected MVP of the Reebok ABCD All-Star Camp in the summer of 2004. LIKELY DRAFT POSITION: Green could be chosen as high as third, but the fact that Portland has stated they will listen to all suitors for the third pick makes his situation unpredictable. He might still go third if Portland trades the pick, but most teams trying to get to No. 3 want to move up to take a point guard. If the Paul-Williams-Felton trio somehow moves ahead of him, then he would be there for Utah (sixth), Toronto or New York. There is no way he will still be on the board past the eighth pick. COMPARATIVE UPSIDE: Tracy McGrady, Joe Johnson COMPARATIVE DOWNSIDE: Kedrick Brown ROLE PROJECTION: Athletic wing player, eventual starter at small forward. POSITIVES: Green has easy college 3-point range. He also is an explosive athlete who can blow by defenders on his way to the basket. Unlike many teenage phenoms coming in to the NBA, he doesn't have to get all of his points by driving to the basket. Because of his prowess from the perimeter, he can more easily gain playing time early in his career while he continues to develop his overall game. SHORTCOMINGS: Green has played only two seasons of high school basketball. He hasn't had a lot of time to make the mental adjustment from big man in high school to first-round NBA draft pick and the expectations that entails. Green is so athletic that everything he tried at the high school level worked. His mental toughness and fortitude will be tested when he tries the same moves against the best players in the world.
something else,his 3 pt % this year was 60%. Thats an unreal 8% ahead of Salim's. I can't recall hearing of anyone that accurate at any level while taking many 3's. I like that the kid isn't arrogant,but does seriously work on his skills. I'd pick him above Marvin,as Marvin's dedication is questionable and Green's skills are a few years ahead. Green may be a SG or SF eventually. It would be tempting to see if he could become a LeBron type PG. Nobody is talking about that,but he had a 7 assist avg,same as R Felton. I also find that 12 rbd average interesting. Green was not mainly an in-the-paint guy,and as the teams scorer-playmaker could have let others do the rebound work. I am real critical of Marvin W's lack of full effort as a rebounder,so it's a plus that Green does his share. Green and Marvin are both class kids,which is cool in a time when some players like to pose as pimps,so they both get a + there. Actually,it seems there is an especially good ratio of "good citizen" types this year,which will be nice for those teams whose players have been embarassments.
I'm not completely set on Gerald Green. While he may very well be the best pontential in the draft and could end up being the best player from it down the line, I'm not set on him. The kid is rail thin and really needs to pack on some weight and muscle. He may be an athletic freak, but at his size, it may be hard for him to use it to his advantage. And his 60% 3pts could be deceiving, as it's on high school range. I'm sure he has the NBA range, but it's sure to take anywhere from a 15-25% drop, which is still great by all means. But....his lack of size will hurt him in the long run. He's athletic...yes....but he's not strong enough to play in the NBA yet. If he doesn't get some weight and muscle on him...he could end up being the biggest bust of the lottery.
