AJ Green Leaves the Portal - Staying in Draft

[Cyinthenorth]

I think he is who he is to the NBA at this point.

Part of me says yes, part of me says no. On one hand, you have 4 years of evidence already. On the other hand, Iowa State has a good history-especially recent-of getting guys into the league. If your options are to take a chance and most likely go undrafted with no promise of a 2-way deal, or try to get a little more proof for NBA scouts and try again in 12 months, then you choose the latter IMO. Would certainly help if you could choose ISU and also earn a little NIL money too. Best of both worlds really.

 

[Cyinthenorth]

Makes no sense for some NBA team to offer Green even a two-way guarantee.

Hard to say. In my opinion, he's already better than say, a Matt Thomas, who is on a guaranteed deal, not even 2-way.

 

[Stormin]

I think he is who he is to the NBA at this point.

Lead Iowa State in scoring while leading them to great success in the Big 12 and Final Four. That would be Player of the Year Big 12 most likely and All American. His draft stock would rise.

 

[IASTATE07]

Hard to say. In my opinion, he's already better than say, a Matt Thomas, who is on a guaranteed deal, not even 2-way.

Curious how you came to this conclusion.

 

[CyJack13]

Lead Iowa State in scoring while leading them to great success in the Big 12 and Final Four. That would be Player of the Year Big 12 most likely and All American. His draft stock would rise.

He'll be doing it as a 23 year old combo guard who is limited athletically and undersized to defend NBA wings. He'll still be likely to go undrafted.

Also I'm in for the other side of your bet on him being B12 POY.

 

[mjhavlo76]

Makes no sense for some NBA team to offer Green even a two-way guarantee.

He's certainly talented enough....

 

[Statefan10]

Hard to say. In my opinion, he's already better than say, a Matt Thomas, who is on a guaranteed deal, not even 2-way.

I'm sorry but Matt Thomas is better than AJ at this point. It's not even a comparison.

 

[CyJack13]

Part of me says yes, part of me says no. On one hand, you have 4 years of evidence already. On the other hand, Iowa State has a good history-especially recent-of getting guys into the league. If your options are to take a chance and most likely go undrafted with no promise of a 2-way deal, or try to get a little more proof for NBA scouts and try again in 12 months, then you choose the latter IMO. Would certainly help if you could choose ISU and also earn a little NIL money too. Best of both worlds really.

Lot more evidence of guys getting to the league through the G-League than ISU. Might be better off trying to get to the NBA that way than burning a year of his basketball prime and likely being in the same spot.

Of course, being a starter on a good college team and possibly making a tournament run is a lot more fun than playing in empty G-League arenas.

 

[CyJack13]

He's certainly talented enough....

Based on?

 

[CyPunch]

Matt Thomas is one of the best shooters in the world

 

[Stormin]

He'll be doing it as a 23 year old combo guard who is limited athletically and undersized to defend NBA wings. He'll still be likely to go undrafted.

Also I'm in for the other side of your bet on him being B12 POY.

Then NBA really isn’t an option and AJ will play for the Cyclones. I’m not betting on AJ Green being B12 POY. But like his odds to be All Big 12.

 

[Statefan10]

Matt Thomas is one of the best shooters in the world

Yep he just severely lacks in other areas which hinders his playing time. As far as catch and shoot he's one of the best out there.

 

[Cyinthenorth]

Curious how you came to this conclusion.

I have seen them both play.

 

[Cyinthenorth]

I'm sorry but Matt Thomas is better than AJ at this point. It's not even a comparison.

I accept your apology, but I still think I'm right. Matt is a great player, great Cyclone etc, but he is in the bottom 1% of NBA players. AJ can just do so much more than shoot.

 

[IASTATE07]

I have seen them both play.

You've watched one play vs Missouri Valley players and one play vs NBA players. Your eye for talent must be elite. You didn't happen to challenge Brian Scalabrine to one on one?

 

[Statefan10]

I accept your apology, but I still think I'm right. Matt is a great player, great Cyclone etc, but he is in the bottom 1% of NBA players. AJ can just do so much more than shoot.

I see where your logic is and I agree that AJ could end up being a better NBA player and likely will be if he takes that next step but Matt Thomas is currently in the NBA on a regular contract. If AJ were as good or better than Matt at this very moment he'd be getting drafted.

 

[gocy444]

A lot of guys stick in the NBA because they do one thing REALLY well. Matt has a contract because he can shoot 3's at a ridiculous clip. AJ is going to have to find his niche.

 

[Gunnerclone]

I'm sorry but Matt Thomas is better than AJ at this point. It's not even a comparison.

Just totally different players imo. MT fills a very specific role in the league (a role which I think is losing its value rapidly).

 

[Statefan10]

Just totally different players imo. MT fills a very specific role in the league (a role which I think is losing its value rapidly).

Fair point. But you'd probably think that if AJ was better than Matt right now he'd be getting told he's ready for the NBA and not told it'd be best to go back to college for one more year no?

 

[VeloClone]

Thomas earned his contract by his play in Europe where he was the best shooter (and best player) in the entire league and it wasn't even close. The NBA is an entirely different monster - way different than the Missouri Valley I might add.