Draymond Green

The Golden State Warriors are off to a blazing start and Draymond Green’s veteran leadership and production have been a massive boost. Perhaps Green’s biggest contribution to the team is his stifling defense that has made it difficult for opposing teams to score.

Green earned praise from head coach Steve Kerr. Kerr praised Green’s defense after the Warriors defeated the New Orleans Pelicans on Wednesday, 104-89. After the game, Kerr proclaimed that Green remains one of the best defenders out there.

Green’s wife, Hazel Renee, echoed the coach’s sentiments by reposting his quote on her Instagram Stories, adding: “1 of 1.”

Hazel Renee reposts Steve Kerr's quote about Draymond Green (Photo credits: Hazel Renee's IG)Hazel Renee reposts Steve Kerr’s quote about Draymond Green (Photo credits: Hazel Renee’s IG)

Explore the NBA Draft 2024 with our free NBA Mock Draft Simulator & be the GM of your favorite NBA team.

In five games this season, Green has averaged 1.8 blocks and 1.2 steals. He has recorded at least one steal in all but one of the Warriors’ games this year. The only game where he did not record a takeaway was against the LA Clippers on Oct. 27.

The most steals he’s recorded so far was against the Utah Jazz on Oct. 25 (three steals).

Meanwhile, he recorded two blocks against the Portland Trail Blazers in his team’s season opener on Oct. 23. He also made his impact in back-to-back games against the Pelicans. In the first game, he recorded two blocks. Green followed it up with an even more impressive five-block performance in the second game.

Draymond Green places himself in the conversation of best defender next to Chet Holmgren and Victor Wembanyama

Draymond Green made a name for himself as one of the best defenders in the NBA. He was even recognized as the league’s best defender in 2017 when he won the Defensive Player of the Year award.

However, with a new crop of elite defenders ready to make their mark in the league, Green might be becoming an afterthought. Despite this, the former DPOY continues to put in the hard work and has also taken the time to remind everyone of his elite defensive skills.

During the postgame press conference after the Warriors-Pelicans game on Wednesday, Green sent a message to the league.

“I spent all summer watching everyone talk about Chet (Holmgren) and (Victor Wembanyama) and what they’re doing defensively,” Green said to the media. “Don’t forget about Dray.”

Victor Wembanyama and Chet Holmgren, two players who are only in their sophomore season, have both utilized their size effectively.

In 2023-24, Holmgren averaged 2.3 blocks and 0.6 steals per game. Meanwhile, Wemby averaged 1.6 takeaways as well as a league-leading 3.6 rejections.

This season, both young players are off to a hot start defensively. Holmgren is leading the league in blocks with 3.5 per contest and is also averaging 1.5 steals. Wemby, on the other hand, is not far behind. So far he’s put up 3.2 blocks and 1.0 steals.

Wemby also had an incredible outing against the Utah Jazz on Thursday where he recorded five blocks and five steals. These went along with his 25 points, nine rebounds and seven assists.