Draymond Green on playing against Derrick Rose in practice for Team USA, ‘He completely left me in the dust’

An unforgettable play from Rose

Draymond Green stands as one of the millions of people who have utmost respect and nod for Rose’s legacy.

The Golden State Warriors great has shared plenty of battles and games with the retired superstar. And despite not meeting Rose at the peak of his prime, he’ll always have fond regard toward their first on-court encounter during the USA Basketball Showcase in preparation of the 2014 FIBA World Championship.

Green recounted this experience at that time as a member of the USA Select Team in which he was simply in awe of the athleticism and grace of the former league MVP.

“D-Rose came down full speed at me. I came up and tried to stop him at the free-throw line then he hit me with a crazy [crossover]. I shifted all the way, but he was at the other way and he goes up and under that thing then goes for a layup. I was like, ‘Oh my God.’ It was just like that and again, he was coming off an injury,” he said in the recent episode of his Draymond Green Show with Baron Davis.

“I can only imagine what that crossover and up and under looked like two and a half years prior to that. He completely left me in the dust. And it was just crazy to see that type of athleticism up close.”

Respect to a legend

Many other players have offered their respective stories that highlight the brilliance of Rose. And for Green, he is simply appreciative enough of having that own experience in facing the Bulls icon.

From one basketball star to another, Green can only offer his flowers to Rose and in his legendary career.

“Just a big fan of D-Rose, man,” Green said. “For how he carried the city of Chicago. That’s Chicago’s heartbeat right there. That’s Chicago’s son right there. Go to Chicago, get drafted No. 1 pick, and actually live up to it and become MVP in your city.

“Shout out to D-Rose, man.”