By Cesare Milanti / info@eurohoops.net
Players like Victor Wembanyama, Chet Holmgren, and the Thompson twins are all part of an NBA Draft class that feels more filled with guys already used to the level and the intensity of the league, and that’s something that the veterans can relate to as well.
Showing love to this year’s rookies, the 33-year-old Draymond Green had nothing but great words for them. “When you look at this rookie class, it doesn’t really look like a rookie class. Even our two rookies [Brandin Podziemski and Trayce Jackson-Davis], you put those guys in the game and they don’t make mistakes that rookies make”, the four-time NBA champion commented on his new teammates.
He went on talking about opposing rookies, mentioning some names. “It’s the same thing for the Thompson twins and Wemby. They don’t look like rookies. It’s an incredible class. I feel a way about the Thompson twins and Wemby because those guys are making it much harder for me to continue to make All-Defensive teams as these young guys come in defending the way they’re defending”, he added.
The difference they’re making is related to their different mindset coming into the NBA. “I’m happy to see it. I’m happy to see young guys coming into this league and taking on the challenge of defending. So many young guys come into this league and it’s all about scoring, “How can I get my shot off?”, and it’s such the wrong mindset to come in with. It’s good to see those guys come in with a different mindset”, Draymond Green said about their attitude.
The Golden State Warriors superstar has been named the 2017 NBA Defensive Player of the Year and has been inserted eight times into the NBA All-Defensive Teams: four (2015, 2016, 2017, 2021) in the First, and four (2018, 2019, 2022, 2023) in the Second.
“I feel a way about the Thompson twins and Wemby because those guys are making it much harder for me to continue to make All-Defensive teams.”
Draymond Green giving this year’s rookie class their flowers 💐
(via @NBCSWarriors)pic.twitter.com/P5sGNo401l
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) November 8, 2023
PHOTO CREDIT: Getty Images