Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green was once a perennial, top defender in the NBA and has the tape to show why he’s arguably one of the best of all-time on that side of the ball.
And he believes that’s still the case, today.
He had the task of guarding Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo in the Warriors’ 120-113 victory on Wednesday, Jan. 7, at Chase Center. Antetokounmpo scored 34 points on 15-of-22 shooting.
Green told reporters after the game that he takes a lot of pride in defense, especially being matched up with some of the games best players.
‘It’s an honor to play against great players in this league,’ Green said. ‘Giannis is one of the all-time greats in this league and at my position. Anytime you have an opportunity, for myself, I love that challenge.’
Green recognized that great players, such as Antetokounmpo, will have good nights offensively.
‘Sometimes you’re going to get absolutely annihilated and it’s okay,’ Green said to reporters. ‘Sometimes I’ll get the better of him, sometimes he’ll get the better of me. But most importantly there’s respect. There’s an appreciation for the competition that’s brought to the floor.’
Green added: ‘It’s an honor, I don’t take those matchups lightly. In my 14th year, I don’t think I’m at the end but you never (know) when this thing will change or that’s it. Anytime I get an opportunity to match up against like Giannis it’s always an honor.’
Throughout his 14-year NBA career, Green has captured one Defensive Player of the Year Award, has made the NBA All-Defensive nine times (five-time first-team, four-time second-team) and has been the heart and soul that has helped the Warriors become a four-time NBA champion.
Green, who will turn 36 in March, told USA TODAY Sports that he still views himself among the best in the Association when it comes to being a defender.
‘I think that’d be an understatement,’ Green said. ‘Top 10 seems a little low, but top 10 gets me on an all-defensive team so I’ll take that.’
He added: ‘I think, you know, I can still compete at the highest of levels, I believe. I think my knowledge and understanding of the game helps me out quite a bit. I can kind of be a step ahead of guys, most of the time. So yeah, top five.’
Green was all jokes when actually ranking himself amongst today’s defenders.
‘One, two, maybe three or two. Possibly, one,’ he said before cracking a smile. ‘Nah, I’m just playing.’
Draymond Green defensive stats
So far this season, Green is averaging a steal per game and 0.7 blocks at his 6-foot-6 frame. His defensive rating is at the highest its been at 112.2.
He’s compiled 1,211 steals and 911 blocks in his career, as of the Bucks game. He’s pulled down 6,266 rebounds, including 5,279 defensive rebounds, for what it’s worth.
Some might say his numbers aren’t staggering but Green told reporters after Wednesday’s game that he doesn’t get ‘caught up’ statistics.
‘I judge off the eye test,’ Green said. ‘We have a lot of numbers in this league. Some of them can be a bit deceiving. Some of the worst defenders in history have led the league in steals. It’s just the nature of the game that we play. I know who’s a good defender, I know who’s a bad defender. I know how to exploit the defender.’
He added: ‘The stats just don’t always tell the story so I don’t get caught up in them. … I really don’t get off into them and I don’t know many of them, other than my good ol’ eye.’
Warriors’ next five games
Jan. 9 vs. Sacramento Kings
Jan. 11 vs. Atlanta Hawks
Jan. 13 vs. Portland Trail Blazers
Jan. 15 vs. New York Knicks
Jan. 17 vs. Charlotte Hornets