NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - MAY 04: Stephen Curry #30 reacts with Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors after scoring a three point basket during the first quarter of an NBA game against the New Orleans Pelicans at Smoothie King Center on May 04, 2021 in New Orleans, Louisiana. 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 Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
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Draymond Green Is The DPOY, “Put Respect On His Name,” Says Steph Curry

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 02: Draymond Green #23 high-fives Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors during a time out of their game against the Boston Celtics at Chase Center on February 02, 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)

It has been four seasons since Draymond Green was crowned the Defensive Player of the Year in 2017. Green earlier this year claimed that he’s the NBA’s best defender ever on the “Dubs Talk” podcast.

“I think I’m the best defender to ever play this game,” Green said. “One-hundred percent, that’s my opinion. But I also think I view the game a lot differently than most people view the game. I think I just see it from a different perspective.”

“I think when you look at the things that make a great defender: reaction time, toughness, being able to see the picture long before it develops, and most importantly, in order to finish a defensive possession, you’ve got to rebound. And I think I rebound well. And so when I look at all the facets that make up the defensive side of the ball, I’m think I’m great in every facet. So I’m think I’m the best defender to ever play in the NBA. I’ll stand by that. I’ll put myself up against anyone.”

Last week, Green, along with Philadelphia 76ers guard Ben Simmons and Utah Jazz Center Rudy Gobert, were announced as finalists for the Defensive Player of the Year award.

After the Warriors fell to the Grizzlies 117-112 and eliminated from the playoffs, Green said the team has a long way to go.

“We got a ways to go because we’re not in the playoffs. So we’re far away,” Draymond Green said. “Because in order to win a championship, we have to be in the playoffs. So we’re clearly a ways away. A few tweaks here and there, we’re not that far. But right now we’re a ways away because we’re not in the playoffs.”

Stephen Curry went live on Instagram Live and said his teammate should be the Defensive Player of the Year this season.

“Put some respect on his name. he put on a clinic on that end of the floor this season.”

Draymond Green this season averaged 1.7 steals and 0.8 blocks per game. Green is like a defensive back or linebacker as he controls the Warriors’ defensive, calling out switches and putting himself into a position to deny the opposition.

What do you think?

Written by Landon Buford

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