Golden State Warriors: Curry, Green, Russell and company could challenge for awards this season
By Kit Shepard
Draymond Green
Before Green signed his long-term contract extension last weekend, it would have taken a very brave man to bet against him winning his second defensive player of the year award.
Even so, the forward may not need any financial incentive to re-establish himself as the NBA’s best defender.
Since Green is arguably the most ostentatiously emotional Warrior, it is a touch ironic that he operates like a machine on the defensive end. He sees things that few others can recognize without copious slow-motion replays.
He is not blessed with explosive athleticism or lightning quickness but always seems to be a step ahead of his opponents courtesy of his ability to read the game.
Like Curry, he will be relied upon more than ever next season, as the Warriors have lost two figures capable of playing elite defense in Durant and Iguodala, and will be missing an another, Thompson, for much of the year.
Additionally, the players acquired by Golden State this offseason, such as Russell, Cauley-Stein, Alec Burks and Glenn Robinson III, are not renown for their prowess on defense.
Therefore Green perhaps faces a tougher assignment than Curry, since he no longer has a defensive running mate (or two) to aid him on that end, at least on the perimeter, while Steph will receive some playmaking help from Russell and Draymond himself.
It will be tough for Green to maintain a high level of defense for the Warriors next season, but if he succeeds with minimal help, he will have a fantastic case for his second DPoY.