I hate that guy with an unhealthy passion. However, unlike dicks like Dwight Howard, he is one of those players whom you would love if he were on your team, because he puts it all out there (cliche alert). He is also almost unquestionably the Warriors' MVP, and not just when Curry is out. So we have to do something about him. But what? Maybe give Vonleh some more minutes, because he's long enough and bulky enough but also capable of moving his feet? He can't be getting more triple-doubles. (I also really hate Klay Thompson. He's kind of a smug bastard. Plus he killed us. We DEFINITELY can't have CJ on him.)
Dray has the right to be cocky. He's that good. His defense alone - who was the last player to legitimately check SF/PF/C as well as Green?
Without the defense. Without the outside shot. Without the mid-range shot. Without the post-game. Other than that I can see the comparisons....
Defensively, he reminds me most of Pippen as an all-court defender. But Green, being thicker, can defend centers more credibly. It's pretty impressive, arguably a player unlike any we've seen before. Kevin Garnett is probably another good comparison point.
It's early in the series, so there's still plenty of time (well, maybe only 3 games) for me to develop an unhealthy hate for Green. But I don't think I will. I hate that he kills us, but I can't hate him - he's too damn good, and he's also respectful and even complimentary when speaking about us. Smart, classy guy with tons of skill - can't hate on that. Klay OTOH is just a smug bastard. Sure, he has the skill to back it up, but his attitude is unnecessary and ugly. If Bozo the Uncoordinated happens to injure another player I hope it's Klay. (Not that I'm wishing injuries on anyone...)
Mason was similar in his ability to play a physical "big man" game while being able to shoot jumpers and pass, but he wasn't nearly as credible a defender on quick guards as Green is, in my opinion, and while he was a good passer, he was never as good as Green has been this year. Not to mention, he was never a real three-point threat. He shot 12...in his entire regular season career. It is another interesting comparison point, though.
Their defensive energy is top shelf. The 3's kill opponents and their free throws are automatic. Damn...Its like playing the 60's Celtics.
I'm going to be nice and say something positive about Green: He sets excellent illegal screens without getting caught.
Yeah, Mason was a nice player. With some major differences from Green, as I noted. I definitely wouldn't want him switching onto someone like Damian Lillard, even his prime version.
