Nothin' But Nets
Fansided

Brooklyn Nets: Jason Kidd Nets vs Stephen Curry Warriors

By Darnell Gilet

Jun 16, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson (11) passes the ball as Cleveland Cavaliers forward Richard Jefferson (24) and center Tristan Thompson (13) defend in the first quarter in game six of the NBA Finals at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 16, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson (11) passes the ball as Cleveland Cavaliers forward Richard Jefferson (24) and center Tristan Thompson (13) defend in the first quarter in game six of the NBA Finals at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
5 of 9
Next

POWER FORWARD

Jan 21, 2016; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bearcat former player Kenyon Lee Martin acknowledges the fans at Fifth Third Arena. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 21, 2016; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bearcat former player Kenyon Lee Martin acknowledges the fans at Fifth Third Arena. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports /

Things just got fun!  Draymond Green has exceeded all expectations to turn into one of the more versatile and unique players in the NBA.  After being drafted 35th overall, Steve Kerr has fully utilized Green as a do-it-all player.  Green is a top five defender in the NBA and can guard every position.  Green is also a stellar passer and rebounder.  In 2015-16, Green was second in the NBA with 13 triple-doubles.  That ranks Green 14th all-time for most triple-doubles in a season (tied with Grant Hill and Jason Kidd).  Green has also improved his three-point shooting each year he has been in the league.  Most recently, he shot at 38.8 percent from deep.

Kenyon Martin has many similarities to Green.  However, Martin fit the mold of the old-school NBA.  During his time with the Nets, Martin might have been the most versatile defender in the league.  Martin would give Tim Duncan, Jermaine O’neal, and Kevin Garnett all they could handle on a nightly basis.  Similarly, on any given night, Martin could guard Kobe Bryant, Vince Carter, or Tracy McGrady.

The biggest similarity between Martin and Green was their passion.  While neither were the best players on their teams, they were emotional leaders. Also, while neither were elite scorers, they were more than competent and could make defenses pay in different ways.  However, Martin was a slightly more productive scorer than Green, as he averaged about two more points per game than Green in their respective peak years.  While the Warriors success and media hype might give the edge to Green on this one, I am going to make this battle a wash.  Martin is a far superior interior presence, while Green is a better playmaker.  Both play the perfect role for their respective teams.

Next: Center