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Golden State Warriors: Draymond Green’s DPOY chances may now be behind him

By Peter O'Keefe

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - MAY 26: Luka Doncic #77 of the Dallas Mavericks shoots the ball against Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors during the third quarter in Game Five of the 2022 NBA Playoffs Western Conference Finals at Chase Center on May 26, 2022 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 Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - MAY 26: Luka Doncic #77 of the Dallas Mavericks shoots the ball against Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors during the third quarter in Game Five of the 2022 NBA Playoffs Western Conference Finals at Chase Center on May 26, 2022 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 Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green has again been recognized for his elite defense, finishing fourth in the NBA’s 2023 Defensive Player of the Year voting. Memphis Grizzlies forward Jaren Jackson Jr. has won the prestigious award for the first time, beating out Milwaukee Bucks big man Brook Lopez, and second-year Cleveland Cavaliers seven-footer Evan Mobley.

It remains a travesty that Draymond Green has won just one Defensive Player of the Year award across his career at the Golden State Warriors.

Green is widely-recognized as one of the best defenders in NBA history, particularly across his career since entering the league in 2012. Despite his brilliance on that end of the floor, he’s won Defensive Player of the Year just once in the 2016-17 season.

It’s an indictment on the league that Green only has one, particularly when someone like Rudy Gobert has three. However, the 33-year-old was never in contention to win this season given the Warriors’ defensive struggles as a team.

Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green continues to be one of the best defenders in the NBA. Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green continues to be one of the best defenders in the NBA. Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

Golden State finished 14th in defensive rating during the regular season, largely because of their horrific road form where they ranked third-last on that end of the floor. Green wasn’t immune to a lapse in concentration and focus during those outings, even if was he consistent in taking the floor having only missed nine games. Additionally, the four-time All-Star hasn’t been aided by a lack of reliable bigs beside he and Kevon Looney on the Golden State roster.

At this stage of his career, Green’s opportunities to win Defensive Player of the Year again may be behind him. His best chance would have been last season where both he and the Warriors started spectacularly, only for his momentum to be halted by a worrisome back injury that saw him miss a significant period.

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Green’s focus has always been the playoffs, and that only ramps up having reached the pointy end of his career. Unfortunately for he and the Warriors, this campaign is now in a perilous position down 0-2 to the Sacramento Kings.

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