Fansided

Draymond Green calls Cassius Winston the steal of the 2020 NBA Draft

By Braulio Perez

EAST LANSING, MICHIGAN - MARCH 08: Cassius Winston #5 of the Michigan State Spartans celebrates a second half three pointer with Xavier Tillman Sr. #23 while playing the Ohio State Buckeyes at the Breslin Center on March 08, 2020 in East Lansing, Michigan. Michigan State won the game 80-69. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
EAST LANSING, MICHIGAN - MARCH 08: Cassius Winston #5 of the Michigan State Spartans celebrates a second half three pointer with Xavier Tillman Sr. #23 while playing the Ohio State Buckeyes at the Breslin Center on March 08, 2020 in East Lansing, Michigan. Michigan State won the game 80-69. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

Michigan State legend Draymond Green had no choice but to show Cassius Winston major love after he heard his name called in the NBA Draft on Wednesday night. 

The NBA dreams have officially become true for former Michigan State standout Cassius Winston. On Wednesday night, the 6-foot-1 guard was selected with the No. 53 overall pick by the Oklahoma City Thunder and then traded to the Washington Wizards soon after.

The former Big Ten Player of the Year was hoping to get picked up sooner, but will undoubtedly use his fall in the draft as motivation during his rookie season. He’ll also have the confidence knowing fellow former Michigan State standout Draymond Green has his back, as the Golden State star had a message for the teams who passed on Winston.

Michigan State basketball alums have each other’s back

It’s hard to argue with Green here, as Winston has time and time again proven he’s a true talent. In 2019, he was named the Big Ten Player of the Year and followed that up last season by earning First-Team Big Ten honors. During his senior campaign, Winston averaged 18.6 points and 5.9 assists per contest.

He’s also in the record books, as he passed former Spartans point guard Mateen Cleaves as the Big Ten’s all-time assists leader with 890. His senior campaign was unfortunately cut short due to the coronavirus pandemic, which prevented him from finishing his career with 2,000 career points. Winston closed the year 31 points shy of that milestone.

Now, he’ll be shifting his focus to helping the Wizards out in any possible way he can. As soon as he does hit the hardwood, he’ll have to make a name for himself in the league, but if you ask Green, the sky’s the limit for his potential.

Next. Michigan State basketball: All-time starting lineup. dark

For more NCAA basketball news, analysis, opinion and features, check out more from the FanSided college basketball section to stay on top of the latest action.