Toronto Raptors: 7 facts about new addition Danny Green

Most Toronto Raptors fans are familiar with Kawhi Leonard, but what do they need to know about their other new addition, Danny Green?

So there you have it; the trade I never truly believe would take place, has actually happened. Kawhi Leonard is now a member of the Toronto Raptors. (For how long is another matter altogether, but that’s a debate for another day.)

It’s tough not to feel bad for DeMar DeRozan, after everything he’s done for the Raptors. After years (decades) of professional athletes seemingly shunning Toronto, here was a player who actively embraced the city and genuinely considered it as his second home.

Unfortunately for DeRozan, the NBA is a business and Masai Ujiri isn’t going to let emotions get in the way of doing what (he thinks) is best for the Raptors. Talking of which, the team picked up another intriguing piece in the trade with the San Antonio Spurs: Danny Green.

While Green’s inclusion in the package may seem underwhelming, he was an extremely effective member of Gregg Popovich’s team during these seven previous seasons. As such, let’s learn more about the Raptors’ lesser known addition:

1) Ahead of Jordan

Green attended the University of North Carolina, playing for the same program as a certain Michael Jordan. Interestingly, Green actually has the edge over “His Airness” in terms of playing more games and accruing more wins than anyone else in school history.

2) Leaving his mark on the ACC

The 31-year-old won a NCAA Championship during his senior year, but his college success actually goes beyond North Carolina. He is also the only player in Atlantic Coast Conference history to record at least 1,000 points, 500 rebounds, 250 assists, 150 three-pointers, 150 blocks and 150 steals.

3) Onto the Pros

Green was drafted in the second round of the 2009 draft, by the Cleveland Cavaliers. However, he didn’t enjoy much success during his one season in Ohio, appearing in just 20 games off the bench.

4) The start of something special

The North Babylon, New York native was first picked up by the San Antonio Spurs early in the 2010-11 season, but took some time to get going. It was the following season when he started to show what he was capable of, as he appeared in 66 games — including 38 starts — and averaged a then career-high 9.1 points and 3.5 boards per contest.

5) A lasting impression on the big stage

The 2012-13 season was when Green announced himself on the national stage, as he started 80 games for the Spurs and average 10.5 points per contest. However, it was the 2013 NBA Finals when he really showed what he could do, as he set a league record for most three-pointers in a Finals series, albeit in a losing cause.

6) King of the Hill

The 2009 ACC All-Defensive Team selection finally reached the NBA pinnacle the following year, helping the Spurs win their fifth championship. Even though he wasn’t quite as explosive as the previous season, he was still an extremely vital cog as he started all 23 of the Spurs’ playoff games.

7) Not just a one-trick pony

Apart from his expertise from downtown, Green is also renowned for being an excellent perimeter defender. This was recognized around the league in 2017, when he was named to the NBA All-Defensive Second Team.

Next: Breaking down the Kawhi Leonard trade

What’s your take on the addition of Green? Do you believe he can help the Toronto Raptors, or are you unimpressed by what he offers? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.

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Toronto Raptors: 7 facts about Danny Green

By Paul Taylor | Jul 18, 2018