Warriors’ star Draymond Green has been labeled as one of the league’s best defenders, but now gets the hardware to prove it. Green received the prestigious Defensive Player of the Year Award at the NBA Award Show, a worthy accolade for the engine of the champion Warriors. He beat out Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert and San Antonio Spurs superstar Kawhi Leonard. Earlier in the day, Green was named to his third consecutive All-NBA Defense team.
2016-17 DPOY, Draymond Greenpic.twitter.com/RTfXnpMZpM
— Def Pen Hoops (@DefPenHoops) June 27, 2017
Draymond Green is arguably the engine that keeps the Warriors running. His defensive prowess contorts even the best of offensive game plans, forcing coaches to think twice. He was second in the NBA with 154 steals (one behind John Wall) and lead the league in steals per game. He also lead the league in defensive win shares and defensive rating, while claiming second in the NBA in defensive rating.
Green has no problem making enemies out of players and fans. Part of being a stout defensive player is trash talking and getting in the heads of the opposing team. Draymond has both of those down, but has the numbers to back it up. Now he has the top defensive award too.
