Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green has been named the Defensive Player of the Year for the 2016-17 season, edging out the defending two-time award-winner Kawhi Leonard of the San Antonio Spurs and Rudy Gobert of the Utah Jazz. 

Green was able to overcome Leonard for the first time in three years, after finishing runner-up for the last two years to The Klaw.

An undersized power forward at 6-foot, 7-inches, Green was the motor behind a well-oiled machine that the Warriors proved to be this season, leading the league with a 67-15 win-loss record and mowing down the compassion to the tune of an NBA-record 16-1 in the postseason.

He averaged 10.2 points, 7.9 rebounds, 7.0 assists, 1.4 blocks and led the league with 2.0 steals per game.

Green’s individual defensive rating was the best in the regular season, tied with Gobert at 98.9, and leading all players who played in more than one series in defensive rating (100.2) during the postseason.

In a long battle for this award, Green set out to win it from the start of the season, claiming the only reason he'd chase this personal accolade is because it helps everyone else on the team.

RECOMMENDED (Article Continues Below)
Victor Wembanyama Spurs rookie card counterfeit

Peter Sampson ·

Stephen Curry, Warriors, Curry Warriors, NBA playoffs, Curry clutch

Jackson Stone ·

Warriors' Stephen Curry with Clutch Player of the Year award

Brett Siegel ·

His versatility, being able to guard all positions on the floor at an elite level ultimately sparked the difference for the Michigan State standout, now heavily decorated in only five seasons in the league.

“I'm thankful for the opportunity to go out there and do what I love everyday,” said Green upon accepting his award. “This isn't an individual award, there's five guys out there on the floor every time and I can't do this all by myself, so I appreciate them. With KD and Klay not making All-Defensive team, I appreciate everything they do.”