The 2022 NBA Finals between the Boston Celtics and the Golden State Warriors begin with Game 1 Thursday night. Ahead of the star-studded series, Steve Kerr discussed the challenges his Warriors team will face. He said that Jayson Tatum is “one of the very best” players in the NBA, while also comparing Marcus Smart to his own defensive star, Draymond Green.

Smart, named the Defensive Player of the Year in April, said he was “honored” to be compared to Green. He reacted to Kerr's comparison at his media availability Wednesday afternoon.

“That's a great comparison. It's an honor to be compared to a guy of Draymond's caliber; champion, great leader, great defender,” the Celtics guard said. “He does what he does very well. I like to look at myself that way, and I definitely take some notes on Draymond and the way that he leads, the way that he plays the game.”

Despite playing different positions, Smart and Green have similar roles on their respective teams. Both leaders are dominant on defense and have an aggressive style of gameplay. In other words, both players bring exactly what their team needs to fight for the 2022 NBA Championship.

While the Warriors seem to have the edge over the Celtics ahead of Game 1, the title is either team's to win. Both teams have enough star power offensively and defensively to win four more games and lift the Larry O'Brien Trophy.