Warriors' Draymond Green cementing claim as best defender of generation

Warriors’ Draymond Green is cementing his case for best defender in his generation

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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Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

How Green has taken defense to the next level

Green might not lead the NBA in steals every year, but scorers also cannot score over him with ease on the perimeter.

He allows only 98 points per 100 possessions (his second-best mark ever), limiting opposing players to a 43% mark from the field, and 33% at the three-point line. His awareness and vocal leadership make him the perfect team defender in today’s era.

Draymond Green might not be the best defender ever. Maybe he is not even the best one-on-one defender, perimeter defender, or paint defender in today’s NBA. But there is a strong case for Draymond to be the best overall.

The 3-time NBA Champion has a signature style of playing defense, and it is definitely a winning formula. He is the prototypical defender of the new NBA era, and maybe the consummate modern defensive anchor. The Warriors’ very efficient start is not a surprise.

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When you have Draymond Green on the floor, he makes everyone better. That is his legacy.

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