Daye didn't exactly compare himself to Green in the way that you imply. He didn't bust out his and Danny's Per 36 numbers. He said that Danny wasn't getting playing time, now he is. That's it. He isn't exactly being pollyannaish. He is saying that in San Antonio, players that had not been able to get playing time elsewhere had been able to work their way into a supporting role. Nothing wrong with that, and a huge stretch to imply he introduced some sort of productivity argument between him and Danny. As per usual, someone makes a fairly innocuous statement, is lambasted for it.
However since YOU introduced the topic, I have a big issue with your false premise.
The cornerstone of your argument is that Danny has been consistent his whole career, even in Cleveland!
http://www.basketball-reference.com/.../dayeau01.html
http://www.basketball-reference.com/...greenda02.html
From 3 Danny shot .273 for the Cavaliers, .368 first year with the Spurs, and maxed out at .436 his second year with the Spurs. He has trailed off slightly since then, but he SUCKED with Cleveland. Guess what, after 4 straight years with a steady system, he has flourished...but that is sort of the opposite of consistency. Now, we can move the goal-posts in your argument and say that he steadily IMPROVED...except that he has not...he has slightly regressed, so even his IMPROVEMENT is not consistent. I'll forgive that as it has been somewhat minimal...and he's been great for us. Not trying to pick on DG.
Daye on the other hand shot 30% in his first year. Higher than Green in his first year. 40% in his second year. Higher than Green in his second year (even though Green was on a much better team). That is when Daye's percentage goes to ...in his third year...the turmoil and mutiny in Detroit probably corresponds, somewhat, to that time-frame...then the shuffling from team to team...what happened...can it be fixed...I don't know.
However, if anything...those first two years show a higher ceiling and/or a similar growth to Danny. It is very difficult to know what Daye would have done if he had played here for four years. We are comparing apples to oranges. But, a claim that Danny showed a consistency that Daye lacks is erroneous.
They don't play the same position, so some things aren't fair to compare, or difficult. Daye's rebounding numbers are better, despite claims he is too frail to rebound, but he is TALLER, and plays a different position, sort of, so people will argue he should rebound better, of course. 2/3 vs. 3/4, I guess we compare. Etc. Etc. But, one thing that can be compared pretty fairly right across the board is his 3 point shooting percentage, and on raw numbers, I would say he has at least Danny's ability if not more.
I LIKED that he screamed into his pillow (he is happy to be here...(who wants a sad-sack like De Colo)), I am happy that his former teammates liked him and had confidence in him on the court (even if others think his teammates suck, I find it strange to list "good rapport with teammates" as a negative), 15th round pick (some people sitting in a room together agreed he had some potential), better handles than I expected (played point a little - I was led to believe he couldn't dribble at all - The Sandwich Hunter can already thank him for an assist in his 3 minutes of playing time), 6'11" (you can't teach height), potential 40+% 3 point shooter, YOUNG, NBA father that can help keep his head on straight and loves The Spurs, some potential rim protection (I loved that transition D block on D-Wade), Good hands (Um, Ayers), potential passing big like Diaw point-forward feeding the post...
There is a lot to like...if any of it can manifest.
I am still skeptical about his foot speed to guard on the perimeter, and his slight build makes him a liability in the post, probably. I am also worried about his bad at ude in Detroit, maybe. Hard to know what went on there but it doesn't sound good. With his dad and Pop, etc. on his ass maybe it was nothing or maybe it is corrected or correctable. People can surprise you when put in a corner...knowing this may be one of his last chances, maybe we see some fight.
So, I will light a prayer candle for the kid, as I am tired of watching undersized players at every position too often it seems.
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