For better or worse, Golden State Warriors big man Draymond Green unapologetically speaks his mind. That's why we know he means it when he recently praised the Portland Trail Blazers' roster on The Draymond Green Show.
"Portland is a tough, tough game," Green said. "They've got a bunch of length, switchable guys. Defensively, they are all 6'7, 6'8, can move their feet, can guard positions one through five."
From Green to Steve Kerr to Anthony Edwards, opposing teams are starting to take notice of Portland's newfound identity. They all talk about how difficult this team is to play against, noting that the new-look roster is no longer an easy out.
Jrue Holiday is helping the Blazers turn a corner
Not only have they successfully established their defensive identity, but they also landed a valuable mentor in Jrue Holiday to help guide their up-and-coming roster.
"Jrue Holiday's leadership is proven to be invaluable for this team," Green continued. "They've got centers, they've got wings. They've got young scoring wings that can go get it. They've got defenders, they've got a true point guard in Jrue Holiday."
That last point Green mentions is crucial. Holiday wasn't known to be a traditional point guard, but has embraced that role in Portland, particularly with Scoot Henderson's absence to start the season.
Thanks to their once-controversial Holiday addition and continued improvement from their young core, the Blazers now sit at 5-3. General manager Joe Cronin's vision for this roster is finally coming to life, and it's resulting in both entertaining and winning basketball.
The Blazers look destined to make the play-in
The Blazers have even been able to overcome injuries to players such as Henderson, Matisse Thybulle, and the underrated Blake Wesley. As they continue to get healthier, Portland could be in the play-in conversation by the end of the season, even in the Western Conference.
While it's hard to replicate the Detroit Pistons' 30-win improvement from last season, it's possible that Portland is next in line to be that young roster that takes a leap quicker than anticipated.
"That team is the young team that I think a lot of people aren't looking out for, that I think is going to have a good year," Green added.
The Blazers have established a winning brand of basketball as Cronin's vision for this roster perfectly fits the style of play that Chauncey Billups and now Splitter have emphasized. This is a play-in team if they stay the course. Green is right, and it's only a matter of time before the rest of the league catches on.