Is A.J. Green Better Than Derrick Byars? NBA Stats Decide

Few NBA comparisons generate more debate than A.J. Green vs Derrick Byars. The numbers reveal a genuinely competitive matchup — Derrick Byars takes 4 categories while A.J. Green claims 3, making this one of the closer head to head comparisons at the G position. Every statistical category matters in a matchup this tight.

Derrick Byars's Rebounds Per Game of 11 compared to A.J. Green's 2.0 represents a 450% advantage — dramatically better than their counterpart in this critical category. A.J. Green falls 51.2% below the career average of 4.1 in this category while Derrick Byars exceeds it. It is the single most decisive number in this comparison and the clearest statistical argument for Derrick Byars's edge.

The most competitive category in this matchup is Free Throw %, where A.J. Green posts 86.1% against Derrick Byars's 100% — a gap of just 16.1%. A.J. Green can point to this as evidence that the overall comparison is closer than the final 4-3 tally suggests. In any debate, Free Throw % is the statistical ammunition for the A.J. Green side.

In NBA history, backcourt players are judged on their ability to create offense for themselves and teammates alike. Points per game captures scoring but assists and efficiency metrics reveal the complete offensive picture.

The verdict favors Derrick Byars — 4 categories to 3 — but A.J. Green makes this far from a one-sided debate. Anyone building the case for A.J. Green has real statistical ammunition particularly in Free Throw % where the gap narrows to just 16.1%. The numbers have spoken, but the argument will continue.