"(Taurean) Green's truly in a unique situation in Portland, one lined with a bright yet ambiguous future. Drafted 52nd overall in the NBA Draft, Pritchard signed him to a two-year contract making Green a restricted free agent by his third year in the league. That kind of deal is almost unheard of for a second round selection, but the reasoning is astute. Portland didn't want to pass up the chance to draft Green and they also didn't want to leave him unprotected in the future either.
Six years ago, McMillan learned this lesson the hard way.
He lost Earl Watson while coaching the Seattle SuperSonics after the second round pick (39th overall in 2001) played well his first year in the league then - Jerry West (Memphis Grizzlies GM at the time) came along and "stole him."
"Gave him like a dollar more than we could offer him," McMillan remembers.
Yet, the reality is Green's future in Portland is really in his own hands regardless of the guaranteed contract. The only thing he can control is how he plays when given the opportunity and McMillan will certainly provide him the chance to show he's capable. Hopefully it will be enough to convince management he's worth holding onto."
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