Draymond Greene discussed his candidacy for Defensive Player of the Year after a great defensive performance at Giannis Antetocomo.
The 2025 defensive player of the year was widely open last month. Many plots came to light around the award after frontrunner Victor Wenbanyama went out injured during the season. Jaren Jackson Jr. and Evan Mobley are considered Truntrunners, but there are other candidates too.
Golden State Warriors’ big man Draymond Green won the award in 2015 and is one of the best defenders of his generation. His box score impact makes it difficult to measure his impact on casual fans. But for those who see, we know that there are few defenders who match the green.
Draymond has adjusted his style since Jimmy Butler joined the Warriors. This was on display in the Warriors 104-93 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks. Former 2-time MVP Giannis Antetokoumpo went 5-16 off the field and shot 0-6 as Green was defending him.
Such a performance helped Green remind people that he is still the best defender in the NBA.
After beating the Bucks, Draymond justly received his flower for his performance. He declared his defensive virtue at a postgame press conference and why he should be involved in DPoy’s conversation.
“If you keep winning strong this year, this year, there’s no doubt.”
When I look around the league, it doesn’t affect many players in the defensive game like I do. 1000%, as many players aren’t completely abandoning the whole team’s attacks like I did.
It appears he won it, especially when Wenby is down. Now it’s soon. So, I have 1 million%, so I will continue to build that case for these next 13 games. But tonight was a prime example. ”
Draymond Green scored only one point in the Warriors’ victory, but his 10 rebounds, three steels and four blocks were crucial as he was shot less than 40% off the field.
The Warriors head coach broke Draymond Green’s defensive impact after the game, calling him the best defender he’s ever seen.
“He is the best defender I’ve ever seen.
Kerr also highlighted Draymond’s importance to the Warriors’ winning habit.
“Giannis’ defense tonight allowed him to remain in five field goals.
The Warriors have improved their record to 15-2 in the last 17 games since Jimmy Butler joined the franchise. They are shooting Western conference rankings.
His case for DPOY will be much stronger if they legally promote a top four seed while Draymond anchors one of the best defenses in the NBA.