Warriors: Best Defensive Players in Golden State History

CLEVELAND, OH - JUNE 06: Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors reacts during Game Three of the 2018 NBA Finals against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Quicken Loans Arena on June 6, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH - JUNE 06: Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors reacts during Game Three of the 2018 NBA Finals against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Quicken Loans Arena on June 6, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
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HOUSTON, TX – MAY 14: Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors looks on in the first half against the Houston Rockets in Game One of the Western Conference Finals of the 2018 NBA Playoffs at Toyota Center on May 14, 2018 in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TX – MAY 14: Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors looks on in the first half against the Houston Rockets in Game One of the Western Conference Finals of the 2018 NBA Playoffs at Toyota Center on May 14, 2018 in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

As the old adage goes, “defense wins championships.” That has been true with the Warriors thanks to these incredible defenders.

When people remember some of the great teams in Warriors history, they often think about offense first.

From the pace-and-space offense in the Steve Kerr era, to “Run TMC” in the 1990’s, and all the way back to Rick Barry and Wilt Chamberlain, Golden State has historically been able to fill it up on the offensive end.

However, the Warriors’ championship teams have always been built around elite defenses.

Elite defenses need elite defenders, and Golden State has been blessed with many fantastic defenders during their franchise’s history.

Here’s our look at the Warriors’ best defenders of all-time.