Andre Iguodala lauded his teammate Draymond Green for his defensive genius in a very atypical way. The Golden State Warriors swingman called Green the Carmelo Anthony of defense.
According to Marcus Thompson II of The Athletic, this isn't as bad as it sounds.
“Iguodala was drawing parallels between Anthony’s offense and Green’s defense,” wrote Thompson. “Iguodala contends that some of the reasons (prime) Melo dominated on offense are the same reasons Green dominates on defense. It’s not just their talent, their strategic expertise. It’s also deception that makes them so difficult.”
At 6-foot-8 and 240 pounds, Carmelo Anthony seems like the prototypical small forward of his era, boasting a mix of shooting and craftiness, yet the 10-time All-Star is deceptively strong and athletic, much like Green is stronger and more athletic than his 6-foot-7, 230-pound body lets on.
“When people ask me who is one of the toughest players to defend, and I say Melo, they’re always like ‘Really?’” Iguodala said. “Maaaan, Melo — he was a fast fat dude with hops. And can shoot. When he hit you with that first step, it was so quick, and then he’s strong. People need to stop disrespecting Melo. And Draymond is the Melo of defense.
“That’s a good analogy. I like that.”
Melo was never particularly muscular like LeBron James, but he was a masher when given the chance, with a first step as quick as a guard and a double-jump that made him a nightmare on the offensive glass during his early days.
Much in the same way, Green manages to surprise opponents with his deft ability to pick pockets, anticipate passing lanes, and block incoming 3-point attempts as a weak-side shot-contest.
Like Anthony, Green is slowly forming a class of his own — one that is defined by his body of work in the postseason, where playing against him becomes a whole other monster.
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