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OKC Thunder: 2 NBA star comparisons for Jalen Green

By Mark Nilon

LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 18: Jalen Green #4 of the G League Ignite brings the ball up the floor during a G-League game against the Westchester Knicks at AdventHealth Arena at ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on February 18, 2021 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.
LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 18: Jalen Green #4 of the G League Ignite brings the ball up the floor during a G-League game against the Westchester Knicks at AdventHealth Arena at ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on February 18, 2021 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. /
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OKC Thunder (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images)
OKC Thunder (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images) /

NBA player comparison No. 1) Zach LaVine

Through 15 games played this past season with the G League Ignite, Jalen Green posted impressive per-game averages of 17.9 points, 4.1 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 1.5 steals on 46 percent shooting from the floor and 37 percent shooting from deep.

During his lone season in the developmental league, the young wing proved to be a fantastic three-level scoring threat with a natural feel for the game and unbelievable athletic abilities.

When watching him play throughout the season, and when looking back on his tape, it’s hard not to see similarities between him and Chicago Bulls All-Star guard, Zach LaVine.

Both boasting similar frames in their respective draft profiles (both listed at 6-5, though LaVine did have him beat by 20-pounds being listed at 200), Green and LaVine simply have the ideal body frames for the modern-day two-guard in the NBA.

On top of this, both are excellent when gunning towards the paint, as they possess a quick first step that allows them to breeze past their defenders while also having the ability to either flush it hard at the rim or stop on a dime, catch their defender stumbling and finish for a gentle five-foot pull-up.

On the break, both players love to run up the court for the quick outlet pass where they can then jolt to the rack and put it in for a quick and easy two.

Though Jalen Green may be known as a better defensive talent than LaVine is, when looking at both of their games it’s evident that, at least on the offensive side of the ball, both are tremendous scorers that can excel either at the two or three and who have athletic abilities that are matched by few others at their respective levels.

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