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Golden State Warriors: Making the All-Star case for Draymond Green

By Tony Pesta

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 26: Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors reacts during the first half of the game against the Portland Trail Blazers at Chase Center on November 26, 2021 in San Francisco, California. 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 Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 26: Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors reacts during the first half of the game against the Portland Trail Blazers at Chase Center on November 26, 2021 in San Francisco, California. 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 Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /
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Draymond Green has long been the engine that keeps the Golden State Warriors chugging forward. This season more than ever he deserves to be on an All-Star team.

Does a case really need to be built for one of the greatest defenders of all time, having one of his strongest personal seasons, on the league’s best team? You’d be surprised.

Draymond Green has never gotten the credit he deserves but he will certainly represent the Golden State Warriors at the All-Star Game this season.

It feels absurd to consider Green is only a three-time All-Star but that is just the reality of his career thus far. He is surprisingly un-decorated for such a revolutionary defender and playmaker. He’s a three-time champion, sure, but two All-NBA selections and three All-Star appearances do not give Draymond the credit he deserves.

Why exactly is Green so underrated? Maybe it is because he has been easy to hate for opponents. It also does not help that he is really the only modern star who lacks any scoring ability. But, make no mistake, Green is one of one and will return to the All-Star game this season (and likely an All-NBA team).

In years prior, it was not all that unreasonable for Green to miss All-Star weekend. He did not break out as a star until midway through the 2014-15 season and the presence of Kevin Durant made it difficult for the league to grant the Warriors with four All-Stars in the same season.

Since then, Green suffered from a bit of regression. He was abhorrent in 2019 without Stephen Curry and it took a while for his gears to start turning again last season. By the end, however, Green was already beginning to flash his most complete form.

Green is doing it all right now. While he still is not scoring at a high rate by any means, he’s having his most efficient season in the paint and his 31.6 percent clip from the 3-point line is his best since 2015.

Green also ranks 8th in the league for assists (7.8) and first among non-guards.

All the while, Dray is doing what he does best: lead an elite defense. He has revamped the Warriors lineup to maximize their potential at all times and because of him, Golden State has the best Defensive Rating in the NBA.

The Warriors are rolling into the New Year with momentum on their side and it would be a crime if Draymond is not selected to the All-Star Game for his near-complete control of both sides of the floor.

Next. Top 30 Warriors of all-time. dark

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