National Basketball Association

Draymond Green believes Julius Randle 'has potential' to be better than him

Published Nov. 15, 2016 2:55 p.m. ET

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Nunzio Ingrassia

Many consider Draymond Green to be the Golden State Warriors’ most indispensable player. He can defend all five positions, stretch the floor with his shooting and handle the ball when Steph Curry is forced to give it up.

It’s Green’s unusual skill set that sets him apart from many players at his position. But the Warriors All-Star sees some of those same talents in another young player -- Lakers power forward Julius Randle. The 21-year-old is not nearly as polished as Green at this point, needing to work on his range, ability to dribble with both hands and defensive shortcomings.

Despite that, Green went as far as saying he believes Randle, who averaged 11.3 points and 10.2 rebounds last season, can be a better player than the former Michigan State star.

“I think he can,” Green said, via the Orange County Register. “I also think he has the potential to be better. With the God-given gifts he has, he has the potential to be better. I’ll continue to grow. I’ll never stop working and I’ll continue to get better. But what is he, 21? That’s a lot of time to continue to grow.”

Now that Luke Walton has taken over as coach of the Lakers, Randle’s growth on the court might accelerate. Walton might want Randle to play a similar role as the do-everything forward Green is on the Warriors. If so, Green’s assessment might come to fruition.

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