Draymond Green plays with a fairly large chip on his shoulder. How large? He can name all 34 players taken ahead of him in the 2012 NBA Draft – in order.
Jon Wilner of Bay Area News Group spoke to Green about that draft night, and it turns out that the Warriors forward didn’t need to be reminded any of the details.
“First was Anthony Davis to New Orleans,” he says. “Then Charlotte took (Michael) Kidd-Gilchrist. Then Washington took Bradley Beal. Fourth was Cleveland: Dion Waiters.
“Eight was Toronto: Terrence Ross …
“Sixteen was Houston: Royce White …
By the time he’s done, Green has reeled off the names of all 34 players selected ahead of him and the corresponding team.
In order.
Not only does Green remember the names, he even knows what all of them are up to – even the ones in the D-League or playing overseas.
“I will never forget that night,” Green said. “I had to wait all that time. I’m not saying I’m cocky or anything, but I felt like I had to wait behind guys I was better than. And I think I’ve proven it.”
Green knows why he dropped – he was viewed as not big enough to play power forward and not skilled enough to play elsewhere. He also knew that those criticisms were wrong, and from that day forward, he was going to prove it.
Green’s a confident, emotional guy – remember this incident? Some would go as far as to call him annoying. He frustrates opponents and he’s the heart and soul of his team, though. This is just further evidence of that competitive streak.
