How would Draymond Green Fare Against Yao Ming?
- Aug 20, 2015
- 2 min read
In a recent "Uninterrupted" segment from the Bleacher Report, Draymond Green gave viewers an insight into his time in Shanghai and spending time with Yao Ming. After going over a few details about the tour itself he started questioning how his game would have changed if Yao was "playing the 5 still." Yao Ming was the 1st pick in the 2002 NBA Draft but more importantly stands at 7"6' (229cm).
Yao even makes the monstrous Shaquille O'Neal look small
The Chinese superstar averaged 1.9 blocks per game over his 8 year career and was naturally an elite rim-protector with his exceptional length. Surprisingly, Yao's wingspan is actually shorter than his height, a record that is only shared with J.J. Redick. His career was often hampered by injuries and was ultimately the reason why he chose (read: advised by doctors) to retire at the relatively young age of 30. Over those 8 years however, Yao developed into a well-balanced player that was equally adept at posting up other players and also stepping out to hit a mid-range jumpshot, shooting 43% from 10-16 feet away from the basket. His size was always two-edged sword however, as Yao was very slow on his feet, especially on the defensive end of the court. Defending a player like Draymond Green would prove to be troublesome with his ability to step out and hit the 3 while also being able to put the ball on the deck and dribble into traffic.
This year Draymond Green was probably the most influential player for the Golden State Warriors on their run to the Finals. Once there, Coach Steve Kerr decidede to substitute Andrew Bogut out for a smaller Andre Iguodala, standing at 6"6'. The average height for the starting lineup was 6"7' and it is in this environment that Green thrives. Despite standing at 6'7' himself, Green was able to do something that only a select few players can do in the NBA; rebound the ball while boxing out a bigger player, run the floor and then pass the ball accurately for an easy basket. How many players in the NBA can guard LaMarcus Aldridge and then do this?
As mentioned earlier, Green has a significant advantage over Yao in regards to speed and agility, so on a fast break he would be beating Yao just about everytime and that's if Yao is even down the court in time. If the matchup was in a set defence/offense, I think Yao's post game would render Green useless. There's nearly a whole foot difference in height. Green would have to stay on the 3pt line for all of the Warriors offensive sets, and while he would probably knock down multiple 3s, it does take him a while to steady his jumpshot. His shots wouldn't be clean despite how slow Yao is on defence. Green's game would have to significantly change and while the Warriors would probably still go on to win the championship, his influence definitely wouldn't have been so prominent if Yao was there.
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