Four Warriors that Deserve Post-Season Awards This Season
By Alec Dietz
Feb 26, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward Kevin Love (0) loses the ball while defended by Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) in the fourth quarter at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
Defensive Player of the Year:
Draymond Green
Yes, Draymond Green does show up more than once on this list, and while he hasn’t received a large following from the media as a Defensive Player of the Year candidate, he should. Unfortunately for Green, he’s been overshadowed by players like DeAndre Jordan and Marc Gasol who have taken most that spotlight.
But as a candidate for Defensive Player of the Year, his numbers speak for themselves. The Warriors have one of the best defenses in the NBA, and statistically speaking, their defensive rating is highest when Green plays center, which is astounding given his size.
Steve Kerr, who would be in a position to know, has even compared Green and his defensive play, to former Chicago Bulls defensive star, Dennis Rodman.
Green plays with undeniable passion, and a scrappy-style that has turned him into a defensive superstar in the NBA. On a night in and night out basis, he has harassed the likes of Dirk Nowitski, Blake Griffin, and even LeBron James.
While Green hasn’t put up the numbers that Jordan or Gasol have, his defensive presence on the court — and on the Warriors — speaks for itself.
Next: Most Valuable Player