Draymond Green asserts LA Lakers made right move with acquisition of Rui Hachimura: "The Lakers know that they have to make some moves"
Draymond Green recently shared his thoughts on the LA Lakers acquisition of Rui Hachimura, which cost them Kendrick Nunn and three second-round picks. The Golden State Warriors star claimed that the Lakers made the right decision by acquiring the ninth overall pick of the 2019 NBA Draft.
Finalized deal: Rui Hachimura for Kendrick Nunn, 2023 second via Chicago, 2029 LA second and and less favorable of 2028 Washington/LA seconds, sources tell ESPN.
Speaking on his podcast, The Draymond Green Show, the four-time NBA champion stated:
"As of right now, as it stands, the Lakers won the trade - for the right now. Why do I think that? Because the Lakers kind of have a logjam right there in the point guard spot with Dennis [Schroder], [Patrick Beverley]... and it just wasn't working out for Kendrick Nunn... and then obviously, you have Russell Westbrook."
Green added that he believes the Lakers have liked what they've seen from rookie Max Christie before stating:
"I also felt like the Lakers know that they have to make some moves, and this is a way of doing it and still holding on to those two first-round picks that they haven't wanted to get rid of. The Rui trade is very good for the Lakers because any time you can get length and athleticism, it's always helpful. Rui can defend multiple positions, and Rui can stretch the floor and knock the three down."
Green added that while Hachimura can shoot the three-pointer well, he thrives in mid-range, which is important in the postseason. He noted that while the move improves the Lakers' roster, how far they go will depend on their stars.
Watch Draymond Green share his thoughts on the LA Lakers' acquisition of Rui Hachimura below (starting at the 23:20 mark):
How has Draymond Green fared this season?
Draymond Green is not known for having a high statistical output, however, his value cannot be denied. Green is averaging just 8.0 points, 7.2 rebounds, 6.8 assists, 0.9 steals, and 0.8 blocks per game while shooting 50.6% from the field, 33.3% from 3-point range, and 74.2% from the free-throw line.
Despite this, he is the third most valuable member of the Golden State Warriors thus far, according to Win Shares. Green's 2.9 Win Shares trail only Steph Curry and Kevon Looney. This has often been the case throughout Green's career, as his value generally outweighs his statistical output, largely due to his defense.
The contract between Green's numbers and value has led to one of the most often debated Hall of Fame cases in recent memory. His career averages of 8.7 points, 6.9 rebounds, 5.5 assists, 1.4 steals, and 1.0 blocks per game don't stand out as a potential Hall of Famer.
Despite that, he will likely be inducted as he has helped lead the Warriors to four titles in his first ten seasons while also being named to two All-NBA Teams, four All-Star Teams, seven All-Defensive Teams, and being named the 2016-2017 Defensive Player of the Year. Furthermore, he has won two gold medals while being named a consensus All-American in college, both of which factor into Hall of Fame voting.