Draymond Green's Comments on Spurs Draft-Day Trade
One of the most shocking moments of the 2024 NBA Draft occurred when the Minnesota Timberwolves traded two first-round picks to the San Antonio Spurs to select Kentucky guard Rob Dillingham. This bold move by the Timberwolves has now been praised by Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green, who suggested on his draft recap episode of "The Draymond Green Show" that the Spurs and other teams may come to regret passing on the rookie guard.
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Green, known for his candid opinions, didn't hold back in his praise for Dillingham on his popular podcast. "The reason the Minnesota Timberwolves won the draft is because they drafted the point guard of their future in Rob Dillingham, who I think is a very special player," Green stated. He went on to criticize teams at the top of the draft, including the Spurs who initially held the pick, for being "afraid because he got swag and he got game and they don't know if his game is going to fit into their systems."
These comments from "The Draymond Green Show" raise questions about the Spurs' draft strategy and their evaluation of Dillingham. The four-time NBA champion emphasized Dillingham's scoring ability, calling him "the best pure scorer in that draft." This assessment could be particularly stinging for the Spurs, a team that has struggled offensively in recent seasons.
Green also highlighted Dillingham's character and potential, describing him as a "great young man" who is "looking for the game, want the game, want the knowledge." These qualities, combined with his on-court skills, make Dillingham a promising prospect in Green's eyes.
For the Spurs, who are in the midst of a rebuild, passing on a player of Dillingham's potential could prove costly. Green's assessment on his show suggests that the organization may have been too focused on finding a player to fit their current system, rather than adapting their approach to accommodate a talented scorer like Dillingham.
As the rookie season progresses, Spurs fans and management will undoubtedly keep a close eye on Dillingham's development in Minnesota. If Dillingham breaks out early, the decision to pass on the young guard could be a talking point for years to come in San Antonio.