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Toronto Raptors: 3 reasons Jalen Green should be the pick at No. 4

By Matthew Chiu

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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NEW YORK, NEW YORK – AUGUST 18: Jalen Green #14 of Team Zion dunks prior to the game against Team Jimma during the SLAM Summer Classic 2019 at Dyckman Park on August 18, 2019 in New York City. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – AUGUST 18: Jalen Green #14 of Team Zion dunks prior to the game against Team Jimma during the SLAM Summer Classic 2019 at Dyckman Park on August 18, 2019 in New York City. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

2. Athleticism

Without a doubt, Green is by far the most athletic player in this draft. He’s an explosive player with quick feet, making him one of the most electric players in this draft. Pair his explosiveness with his jump-out-the-gym ability, and you have a freaky athlete on your hands. His quickness off the dribble and verticality will translate well to the pros.

Athleticism is something that can’t be coached into a player, which is why Jalen Green is so coveted by NBA scouts. Green’s athleticism really flashes on the offensive side of the ball. He uses his explosive first step to blow past defenders and uses his elusiveness to slither his way past contact for open looks.

Jalen Green’s athleticism can improve a weakness.

While Green is a highlight machine on offense, his work on the defensive end leaves a lot to be desired. He’s a sub-par defender, but there’s a reason why scouts aren’t ready to write him off as a defender just yet.

Standing at 6-5 and 180 pounds, Green’s skinny frame ensures that he will almost exclusively be defending guards at the NBA level. Green’s quick feet allow him to defend the shiftiest players on the court and his elusiveness allows him to quickly fight over screens. His quick hands and reflexes enable him to strip opponents of the ball where he averaged 1.5 steals per game.

While it’s unlikely that Green will become an All-Defensive player, he certainly has the traits to become a decent one. For Green, it’s about putting it all together and keeping it consistent for 48 minutes. It’s not easy to get a young, offensive stud to buy in on defense, but if any team is capable of doing it, Toronto is one of them.