Subscribe
Follow Us
Draymond Green of the Golden State Warriors is often overlooked — not in terms of generating headlines, but in the sense that he doesn't receive the recognition he deserves when it comes to his impact on each game.
Draymond Green is extremely underrated and should get some consideration in the Defensive Player of the year race.
People seem to forget how great a player Draymond Green is. While he isn't a great scorer, he consistently plays defense at the highest level.
Green's impact goes farther than what is shown in the box score. His defensive leadership and accountability for his teammates makes the Warriors such a great defensive key. His impact on the team is surprisingly just as important as Stephen Curry's. Draymond Green is the leader of the defense. Curry is obviously the better overall player but Green is has just as important of an impact on the Warriors team.
Green is always making defensive plays and calling out opposing plays for his teammates. This shows how much Draymond Green is a student of the game and how he takes so much pride in his defensive craft.
Green should definitely get some attention towards a Defensive Player of the year race. Everyone has been focusing on Rudy Gobert, Ben Simmons, and Bam Adebayo, but Draymond Green should be up in the conversation with them. That doesn't mean he should win the award but he should at least finish in the top five. He has proven time and time again that he can make defensive plays especially when it matters most.
Article Continues Below
In the first play-in game the Los Angeles Lakers hosted the Golden State Warriors. Draymond Green spent the game covering Lakers star Anthony Davis and he did a great job. Although Davis finished with 25 points he did it on 24 field goal attempts.
Draymond Green played a big part in stopping Davis from going off last night and it put them in a position to make it a close game. Green finished with 3 blocks and 3 steals while making many other defensive plays throughout the night.
Teams around the league still recognize that Draymond Green is a top defensive player but it is up to the media and fans to recognize it as well.
Green's versatility is also great on the defensive end. He can guard 1 through 5 which is something you do not see from many NBA players. Green's unique ability allows him to make an impact on any given night out on the floor. He has also taken pride in making his teammates better especially on the defensive side of the ball. Draymond Green has helped mentor Andrew Wiggins into a solid defender and made sure to help rookie center James Wiseman when he is healthy.
Green is one of those players who leaves everything out on the court every night. The Warriors would not be in the position they are in today without Draymond Green. While they are still fighting to get in the playoffs the defense has looked great.
The Warriors team ranks 6th in defensive rating with a large part of it due to Green. He is the leader of the team defensively and without him the Warriors wouldn't be in playoff contention. Steph Curry and Draymond Green will have to continue high level play in order for them to make the playoffs.
He will likely continue to be scrutinized by fans despite his major impact. Look for Green to continue his leadership and defensive impact for years to come.
