Why Draymond Green Is NBA’s Most Improved Player
By Sumeet Paul
Much of what Draymond Green offers to the Golden State Warriors can be put into numbers, but equally as important are the qualities that he brings which can’t be quantified. With free agency looming, the Warriors can’t afford to lose a player that has vastly improved this season. The 24-year-old is averaging 11.4 points, 3.5 assists and 7.9 rebounds per game this season, all up on his career numbers. His minutes have increased, but so has his field goal percentage as he continues to establish himself as a key part of Steve Kerr’s team.
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Owner Joe Lacob conceded earlier this week that it was inevitable that the franchise would have to pay the luxury tax next season, and that is because of the fact that he understands that he needs to keep this current group together. Golden State continue to lead the way in the Western Conference with a 39-8 record this season, and Green has played a huge role in their success. Lacob was unable to discuss his plans this summer in terms of re-signing Green, but he summed it up best when saying that Draymond Green was “born to be a Warrior”.
However, it is what the forward brings to the table that can’t be translated into statistics which makes him an all-round franchise cornerstone. His defensive ability and leadership skills ensure that he is an all-round package, and it is difficult to see how such a player can be easily replaced.
The 24-year-old is averaging 11.4 points, 3.5 assists and 7.9 rebounds per game this season, all up on his career numbers.
The No.35 pick in the 2012 NBA Draft is versatile, full of passion and determination and has grown into a natural leader of the team. Coupled with his ability on both ends of the court, he has to be involved in the Most Improved Player of the Year conversation given the development he has displayed and he will certainly be rewarded for it at the end of the season. Naturally, he will face tough opposition and it will even come closer to home than he would like with Klay Thompson also likely to be a candidate. Outside of the organisation, Chicago Bulls’ star Jimmy Butler was considered a front-runner earlier in the season, but with his numbers starting to tail off, the race could be more open than expected.
Andre Drummond and Giannis Antetokounmpo could also make a case, but none of these players offer all the tangibles and intangibles than Green brings to the party.
His ability to hold his own against big men is matched by a talent to limit guards when required, and there are even stats to back a case for him to be considered for the Defensive Player of the Year crown when you delve further into the numbers.
Green had a role with the Warriors last season, but he realised that he could be so much more for the team this year. While Thompson and Stephen Curry will make the headlines and continue to spark the Oracle Arena, it is a well known fact that everybody loves Draymond, both on and off the court.