Now in his 13th season with the Golden State Warriors, Draymond Green has established himself as one of the franchise’s greatest players. In large part due to his defense, Green helped the Warriors win four championships between 2015 and 2022. During his time with the Warriors, the Michigan State alum became a four-time All-Star and finished in the top 10 for MVP voting once. However, his defensive achievements are what has set him apart in the league. Currently, he is a one-time Defensive Player of the Year (and finished top 10 in voting eight times), an eight-time All-Defensive selection, and a one-time steals champion.
Last season, for the first time since 2019-20, Green did not receive any DPOY votes. However, according to the 34-year-old himself (YouTube link), he hopes to get back into the award race once again this season.
“That’s my goal, you know, just going through this offseason and then seeing my name not on an all-defensive team last year. That pissed me off. I know I wasn’t eligible because of the games I missed, but it still pissed me off. I want to keep building on what I hope ultimately becomes a Hall of Fame career. The more accolades, the better. I’ve heard all the talk about Chet and Wemby on defense. I’m not taking anything away from those guys, they’re special, but I know I can affect a defense differently. I’m not seven feet, so I have to use positioning and my brain to be great. This year, that’s one of my goals: to get back in the Defensive Player of the Year race, get back on All-Defense First Team, and just keep running that up.”
Draymond Green Reveals Lofty Goals for 2024-25 Season
Draymond Green’s Case for Defensive Player of the Year
Even after all these years, Green is still one of the most versatile defenders in the NBA. Additionally, he remains a defensive anchor and is one of the most physical players in the league. The chances of him re-entering the Defensive Player of the Year award race are legitimate. However, there are plenty of popular candidates this season. Most notable is San Antonio Spurs big man Victor Wembanyama. The French native, who averaged a league-leading 3.6 blocks per game last season, is the favorite to win the award. Additionally, reigning DPOY Rudy Gobert, Bam Adebayo, and Chet Holmgren are top candidates as well.
It is early, but the Warriors’ defense looks fantastic to begin the 2024-25 season. Through five games, they are second in opponent points per game (99.4) and DRTG (99.1). Furthermore, Green is currently averaging 1.2 steals and 1.8 blocks per game. A lot can change over the course of the season. However, as the anchor of the team, Green’s DPOY candidacy is off to a hot start.
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This season will prove to be an interesting one for Golden State. Despite losing long-time wing Klay Thompson to the Dallas Mavericks, the Warriors look like a force in the West. They are 4-1 to begin the season, even though Stephen Curry has already missed two games. The Warriors are looking to get back to the playoffs after getting eliminated in the Play-In games last season. Based on their hot start to begin the campaign, this is a very realistic goal for Green and the Warriors.
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