Spanish big man Usman Garuba didn’t play much in his rookie NBA season with the Houston Rockets, largely due to injuries. But when he did play, it was clear that he could make an impact without scoring.
Take, for example, the April 1 game versus Sacramento. In 30 minutes played, Garuba shot 0-for-3 from the field and did not score a single point. Yet, Garuba grabbed 14 rebounds over that period, dished out three assists, and blocked two shots. Most telling is that Houston was +12 with Garuba on the court and -17 in the 18 minutes he was off.
Sound familiar? One name that might come to mind is Golden State’s Draymond Green, who has averaged 8.0 points per game or less in each of his last four seasons but continues to make a significant impact due to his abilities as a defender and as a unique facilitator on offense.
In a new Q&A with Raul Barrigon of HoopsHype, Garuba listed Green as a player he watches closely. Garuba’s explanation:
I like to watch Draymond Green a lot. There are tons of clips of him on my iPad. I learn a lot from him — how he plays defense, constantly setting picks… his offensive game, too. Also, the way he communicates with his teammates all the time, and his leadership on the court. He makes everything easier for the Warriors.
Green and the Warriors are currently playing in the second round of the Western Conference playoffs versus Memphis, with Golden State holding a 2-1 series advantage. Game 4 is set for Monday night.
Barrigon’s complete interview with Garuba can be read here.
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