Why are you trying to run with bizarre narratives that have been widely disputed and all evidence points to the contrary? By all accounts, Green's an obsessive gym rat with a high work ethic and drive to be the best. You can't really get away with painting him as a low-effort/bad attitude player.
What does "supposed" have anything to do with real life? Many players with superior vertical pop and/or speed can't or won't defend on perimeter to save their lives. Ever hear of Russell Westbrook? Bradley Beal? Kyrie Irving? Zach Lavine? Dame Lillard? Steph Curry????
None of what you said about Harden is true. First of all, Harden is an above average perimeter defender now. And he's been so for several seasons now. And Harden is elite as a post defender. You still stuck in 2016?
I got to say I'm surprised how many you are so upbeat and positive we are taking green I've already seen enough interviews from Tillman and stone to make a general educated guess that stone is going to try to prove how smart he is to everyone and try to get cute and probably trade the pick Tilman being a he's a cheap ass is not going to want to pay that millions of dollars for a number two pick 19 yr old I just don't see it even if stone wants to keep the pick I don't see tilman signing off on it I be stunned if they keep the pick
The majority of Harden's time with Rockets, he has been an effective defender. Every hater is still stuck in the first couple of seasons of his Houston tenure. If anything, your example is more damning to Green. Harden was not a defensive liability in HS, college or his stint with Thunder. And Harden was an offensive force consistently at every level. Harden took it up a notch to MVP caliber levels with Rockets and his defense suffered. Green is nowhere near the Harden offensive production yet his defense has already suffered for it and much earlier in his career. His interview informed us that he is capable of playing stickier defense and he will put more effort in that area. And yes, Mobley's defensive effort AND excellence has been consistent at EVERY level - that is not a bad thing you are making it out to be.
I didn't mind Harden not applying himself on defense because he was a one man band carrying us on offense. The one who got creamed is Ariza who had to cover for both Harden and Beverley. Mr. 94 feet often got beat and was more bark than bite. Ariza assignment would go off for All Star numbers because Ariza had to guard 3 perimeter players. Jalen was the same as he was the show for the Ignite. Jarrett Jack, Bobby Brown and Amir Johnson suck.....Kai Sotto, Todd and Nix seemed to shrink under the big lights.
Green was a highschool liability? That same guy who scouts rated as the number one prospect coming out of highschool.......over Cade and Mobley? Those scouts that you speak so highly of? The ones getting paid to be more PR reps than scouts analyzing basketball breakdown. If we follow the money we may not like the results.
Thing is, even if we draft either or someone else, I won’t count them as a Rocket until there’s 0 chance he’s traded.
All lottery picks have worked hard to achieve their goals. Fact from watching about 20 full games from Green: He plays no defense whatsoever. He gives no effort defensively or rebounding ((matador effort level). He runs backwards whenever any player other than himself shoots. These facts need to also be considered when just looking at his excellent nba level offensive game.
Trying to wonder if he has a proper father figure influence around him or does he hang out with his posse the entire time? Also, we haven't done the other main test for how he contributes his culture, if hes sagging his pants too much.
