Green says he’s best-ever NBA defender, drawing reactions
Warriors star Draymond Green rarely lacks confidence in himself. And, as a three-time NBA champion and All-Star, why should he?
That’s why it’s not surprising to hear Green be- lieves he’s even better than his label as a great defensive player.
“I think I’m the best defender to ever play in the NBA,” Green told NBC Sports Bay Area’s Grant Liffman and Kendra An- drews on the “Dubs Talk” podcast. I stand by that. I’d put myself up against anyone.”
Green has a vast resume as part of his defense — he’s a five-time All-Defensive team member, the NBA’s Defensive Player of the Year in 2016-17 and, most importantly, he revolutionized the game as a smallball center. But his claim of being the best ever was still met with skepticism.
Miami Heat backup cen- ter Udonis Haslem replied to a story about Green’s contention with laughing emojis and ex-Memphis Grizzlies defensive ace Tony Allen called out Green on Twitter.
“In the words of Jay Z! ‘We don’t believe u, u need more people!’” Allen said in a tweet.
Naturally, Green got defensive. He clapped back against Allen and pointed out how the Warriors beat Allen’s Grizzlies on their way to their first title by utilizing a defensive ploy of not guarding Allen at all.
“I was waiting on you to stamp me Big homie, but your stamp book started running low in 2015 when we used you against your team on the way to my 1ST championship,” Green tweeted.
Former Warrior and current TNT analyst Chris Webber actually somewhat agreed with Green’s declaration.
“I think Draymond is one of the greatest defenders to ever lace ‘em up ..... no doubt!! Definitely top 5 ..... I just don’t think you can say the word ever ... especially while you’re still playing ... What you think?” Webber tweeted.
But he also took to TNT and ran down a list of the greatest defenders throughout history, pointing out how difficult it is to crown someone the single best of all time.
When most folks discuss the league’s top defensive players, the conversation begins with former Celtics great and Oakland legend Bill Russell. Boston’s menacing shot-blocker could probably also be joined by the likes of Dennis Rodman, Michael Jordan, Gary Payton, Dikembe Mutombo, Michael Cooper and Alonzo Mourning, all superior defenders.
Green, though, believes there are many factors that separate him from the league’s previous defensive greats.
“One-hundred percent, that’s my opinion. But I also think I view the game a lot differently than most people view the game. I think I just see it from a different perspective,” Green said on the podcast.
“I think when you look at the things that make a great defender: reaction time, toughness, being able to see the picture long before it develops, and most importantly, in order to finish a defensive possession, you’ve got to rebound. And I think I rebound well. And so when I look at all the facets that make up the defensive side of the ball, I think I’m great in every facet.
“So I think I’m the best defender to ever play in the NBA. I’ll stand by that. I’ll put myself up against anyone.”
As is usually the case with Green, argue at your own risk.
CURRYS TEACH “SESAME STREET” CHARACTERS ABOUT HOOPS, HEALTH >>
Stephen Curry’s health is preventing him from playing for the Warriors right now, but his health-conscious attitude will still allow him to shoot some hoops on national TV this week.
With “Streetball” teammates such as Elmo, Cookie Monster and Grover, though, basketball won’t be the focus of Curry’s appearance. The Warriors star and his wife, Ayesha, will be playing a little ball and talking a lot about healthy eating during their appearance on a new episode of “Sesame Street” available on HBO Max today.
The episode was filmed before Curry suffered a tailbone injury that will keep him sidelined for at least three more games, so the two-time MVP was able to shoot unencumbered — and naturally he buried the only long-distance shot during the show.
Basketball, though, took a backseat to Steph and Ayesha’s message about the importance of eating a healthy breakfast every morning. Of course, trying to convince one of the characters that pancakes with berries are a more nutritious choice in the morning than cookies wasn’t easy.
Fortunately, the food expert Ayesha was on hand to provide the necessary assist while referring to the Currys’ popular “Eat. Learn. Play.” initiative that helps steer kids in the right direction.