Xavier McDaniel, known for his physical style and relentless aggression on the court, believes Draymond Green shares his competitive mindset. In a conversation with NBA insider Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson, McDaniel compared his fiery attitude to the Warriors’ forward, though he insisted that no one in today’s NBA plays like him.
“As far as attitude, I would say Draymond Green,” McDaniel said. “As far as playing-wise, NO ONE plays like me, you know? I can’t compare my game to nobody because I had an awesome turnaround jump shot!”
McDaniel praised Green’s role in Golden State’s system, pointing out that his versatility fits perfectly within the team’s structure. He acknowledged that Green doesn’t need to put up big scoring numbers to make an impact, crediting the Warriors’ system for maximizing his strengths.
“If he was on any other team, I don’t know how he would fare, but that system fits him just perfect,” McDaniel said. “The NBA is all about fit.”
McDaniel also addressed Green’s reputation for being an on-court enforcer, noting that few players have pushed back against him. He referenced his own experiences with physical altercations, explaining that his competitive nature was shaped by his upbringing in South Carolina.
“So Draymond is going to keep doing it until somebody smacks him in the mouth. And I ain’t mad at him,” McDaniel said. “I’d rather watch him foul the heck outta somebody than just not do nothing.”
The former All-Star recalled moments early in his career when he fought teammates in practice to establish his presence. He emphasized that in his era, toughness was a necessity, and players had to earn respect through their actions on the court.
With Green continuing to make headlines for his aggressive play, McDaniel’s comments offer insight into the mentality of players who embrace the physical side of the game.
