Draymond Green gives surprising answer for toughest opponent

LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Kawhi Leonard and Damian Lillard — those are just a few players Draymond Green has had the honors of defending for the Golden State Warriors in recent years. Yet, when asked who the toughest player to defend today, Green named… Darius Garland?

Draymond Green has defended some incredible players for the Golden State Warriors, but his most recent name drop is surprising.

Green joined ‘Warriors Round Table’ on 95.7 The Game and when asked about some of the players he hates defending the most, Green mentioned Garland:

"“Darius Garland actually, and I know that’s probably an unpopular opinion. That kid is so fast, so herky-jerky and he can shoot the ball. When he really figures out how good he truly is…I hate getting switched onto him. It’s rough getting switched onto Darius Garland.”Via 95.7 The Game"

While I don’t think anyone was expecting Draymond to name the second-year guard in Cleveland as his toughest opponent — it should come as no surprise to hear DG receive some praise from one of the best defenders in the NBA.

Garland has had a breakout year for the Cavaliers, improving in every category — averaging 17.7 points and 6.2 assists on 45/39/85 shooting splits. His game isn’t totally polished yet, but his shiftiness and threat as a shooter have earned the respect of Draymond.

And, truthfully, it makes sense. When you think about the guys that are likely the toughest for Green to defend, it has to be players such as Garland. Despite his height, Green is bulky enough to defend most elite forwards and even hold his own against dominant centers. But keeping up with lightning-quick perimeter players? That’s a different story.

Obviously, Green has done as good a job as anybody at moving his hips against opposing guards, but father time has caught up with Green. He isn’t as fluid anymore and checking a quick-twitch athlete like DG has to be a challenge.

The Warriors have thwarted the Cavs easily in both meetings this season — and Garland didn’t play particularly well in either game. Still, he seems to have impressed Dray, and that’s saying something.