The Green bombshell: Steve Kerr’s statement, ignites a firestorm of speculation about Draymond Green’s future
Draymond Green is one of the best defenders in the modern era, and his skills have helped the Golden State Warriors claim four NBA championships. Winning a championship is something Steve Kerr has achieved nine times in his illustruous career as player and coach, which makes his recent claim about Green quite a wild one.
Draymond Green locked up Giannis Antetokounmpo completely in the Warriors’ recent win over the Milwaukee Bucks, and in the aftermath, Kerr called Draymond the greatest NBA defender he’s ever seen.
“He’s the best defender I’ve ever seen,” Steve Kerr said, as per NBC Sports. “I mean, you see the pick-and-roll with Dame. If he’s in it, he kind of does this fake blitz thing with his speed, with his anticipation. He forces Dame back out towards halfcourt and he’s able to get back. The speed and recovery with Draymond is just stunning.
“And then the brain that goes with it. If he’s on the weak side, he’s constantly coming over to help. He’s one of the great defenders of all time, and he’s still doing it at a high level.”
There is no doubting that Draymond Green is an incredible defender, but this is a good time to remember that Steve Kerr played alongside Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, and Dennis Rodman on the Chicago Bulls. All three are considered legendary defenders, Jordan won DPOY once and Dennis Rodman won the award twice.
That’s not all, after his run with the Bulls in the late 90s, Kerr also played alongside Tim Duncan on the San Antonio Spurs. The list of all-time defenders he has played alongside, never mind against, is very long.
As outlandish as Kerr’s claim may sound given this context, Draymond Green really is the archetype for the ideal modern day NBA defender. And if, as per his wishes, Green is able to win another DPOY award at the end of this season, then the conversations about his all-time status are sure to get even more interesting.
