When Kevin Durant announced his decision to join the Golden State Warriors back in July, the team had to trade or watch some of their rotation players walk away in free agency to make enough salary cap space to sign him.

By losing the likes of Andrew Bogut and Harrison Barnes, just to name a few, many believed that their defense would not be the same.

However, the Warriors have showed that they are still one of the favorites to win it all this season, off to a great start once again with a 16-2 record.

Their starting power forward, Draymond Green, recently spoke about how he felt when people counted their defense out and lost their belief in them.

Related NewsArticle continues below
Warriors' Stephen Curry with Bob Myers, Mike Dunleavy Jr., Joe Lacob, James Wiseman, Jonathan Kuminga and Jordan Poole
Did Warriors’ two-timeline dreams close Steph Curry’s title window for good?
Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) warms up before the game against the Dallas Mavericks at Chase Center.
Warriors’ Stephen Curry reveals offseason plan with Draymond Green, Jimmy Butler

https://twitter.com/erikmal/status/803487701936656384

The 26-year-old Michigan State product has been one of the reasons why the Warriors have thrived on the defensive end. He has made important plays that changed the complexion of some of their games. Even with his lack of offense, has more than made up for it by being the team's anchor on defense.

Green has also not been shy about making his desire to win the Defensive Player of the Year award this season known to everyone. With the success the Warriors are having now, and with Green stepping up on defense, it is possible for him to win the award after the regular season and a give his team the best chance of being crowned as champions in June.