If you ask Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr, Draymond Green is by far the best defender in the league today and in the modern era.

The Warriors' tactician certainly didn't hold back in his praise of his forward and small-ball center in his presser ahead of Golden State's showdown with the Utah Jazz, a team that features two-time Defensive Player of the Year and one of the most impactful defensive centers in the NBA today in Rudy Gobert.

While there is certainly some bias on Steve Kerr's comments on Draymond Green, it is not without merit. After all, with the veteran forward leading the way, the Warriors have elevated themselves to become the fifth-best team in terms of defensive rating. They are also third in defensive field goal percentage, which speaks volume on the impact Green has had on the team as Stephen Curry tear apart opponents with his hot shooting.

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Put simply, the Warriors will not even be in contention for a play-in spot had Green failed to step up his defense alongside Curry's offense.

Prior to Monday's game against the Jazz, the Warriors hold the eighth seed in the Western Conference standings with a 35-33 record. They are only half a game ahead of the ninth-seeded Memphis Grizzlies, but it is worth noting that they have won four of their last five games.

The Jazz are currently the top team in the West, but it should only be an opportunity for Green to prove that Kerr is right and that he's the best defender in the modern era of NBA basketball.