Draymond Green has been the most important defensive player for the Golden State Warriors in the last decade. Despite his limited offensive contributions, Green is a 4-time All-Star and has made a huge contribution towards the Warriors’ 4 championships. Green’s experience and defensive tenacity allow him to show a level of cockiness that is not often seen in the NBA. One such example occurred this season, during a regular season game against the LA Clippers. Green saw Russell Westbrook with an open chance to shoot, but instead of rushing up, he maintained his distance and was seen willing him on.
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The strategy worked out considering Westbrook’s reluctance to shoot. Regardless, this refusal to guard is something Green himself has regularly seen against himself. Speaking on the “Podcast P with Paul George,” Green claimed that he hates it when others do it to him, claiming that he wants to shoot the opposition’s face off.
Draymond Green claims being willed to shoot makes him want to shoot people’s faces off
While Green himself might have employed the “no-guard” technique on Westbrook, he is bound to be meted out similar behavior. In recent years, Green has been infamous for his lack of offensive production and is regarded as one of the best defenders in the league.
Green claimed that Kevin Durant’s move to the Warriors initially reduced his attacking contributions. He began taking a reduced number of shots which eventually led to decreased confidence.
Regardless, he still does not appreciate the same kind of treatment being meted out by other defenders. Green said that he regularly wants to shoot other people’s faces off when he is willed to shoot:
“I have got to a point now where it don’t bother me anymore, but I am a competitor man. Like, to watch somebody not guard me, like I really wanted to shoot your face off. Its also a cover-up. Its bittersweet because, I know I can do all those things and still be an All-Star. I made All-Star last year and I averaged 7 points. It’s definitely bittersweet, and good to know that people appreciate what I am doing.”
Hence, not only has Green evolved in recent years and does not feel insulted, but he also appreciates the praise he gets for other aspects of his game.
Green underwent personal sacrifice after Kevin Durant’s move to GSW
There is little doubt that Draymond Green had to undergo a transformation when Durant made his move to the Warriors. From a playmaker and shooter, he was reduced to a defensive stalwart. Consequently, he had to focus on other aspects of his game to prove his value.
During the 2015-16 season, Green recorded his highest-ever efficiency of over 55%. The following season, this number had reduced to slightly above 48%. This was because of the limited offensive role that he was afforded in the team.
To date, the 2015-16 NBA season proved to be the most fruitful for Green, at least offensively. Despite his reduced impact in 2017, Green went on to win the Defensive Player of the Year award. He has been a big part of the Warriors’ success since.
