Draymond Green discussed his candidacy for the Defensive Player of the Year after a stellar defensive performance on Giannis Antetokounmpo.
The 2025 Defensive Player of the Year has been wide open for the last month. After season-long frontrunner Victor Wembanyama went out with injury, a lot of intrigue has emerged around the award. While Jaren Jackson Jr. and Evan Mobley are considered frontrunners, there are other candidates.
Golden State Warriors big man Draymond Green won the award in 2015 and is one of the finest defenders of his generation. His box score impact makes it hard to gauge his impact for casual fans. But for anyone watching, they know few defenders can match Green.
Draymond has adjusted his style since Jimmy Butler joined the Warriors, with his defensive focus seemingly tripling. This was on display in the Warriors 104-93 win over the Milwaukee Bucks. Former two-time MVP Giannis Antetokoumpo went 5-16 from the field, shooting 0-6 when Green was guarding him.
A performance like that has helped Green remind people that he’s still the best defender in the NBA.
Draymond Green thinks he has a strong case for DPOY
After the win over the Bucks, Draymond rightfully received his flowers for his performance He proclaimed his defensive virtues in the post-game press conference and why he should be in the conversation for DPOY.
“If we keep winning and close this year out strong, most definitely.”
When I look around the league, I don’t see many players impact the game on the defensive end like I do. I don’t see many players completely throwing off an entire team’s offense the way I do, so 1000%.
Especially with Wemby going down, it seems he had it won. Now, it’s right there. So, one million percent I have a case, and I’ll continue to build that case for these next 13 games. But tonight was a prime example of it.”
Even though Draymond Green scored just one point in the Warriors win, his 10 rebounds, three steals, and four blocks were pivotal as the Bucks shot under 40% from the field.
Steve Kerr calls Draymond ‘the best defender I’ve ever seen’
Warriors head coach broke down Draymond Green’s defensive impact after the game, calling him the best defender he’s ever seen.
“He’s the best defender I’ve ever seen. … The speed and recovery with Draymond is just stunning.”
Kerr also highlighted Draymond’s importance to the Warriors winning habits.
“That defense tonight on Giannis was incredible. To hold him to five field goals, he showed why he’s still one of the great defenders in the world, and why he’s so important to winning… “
The Warriors have improved their record to 15-2 in the last 17 games since Jimmy Butler joined the franchise. They’re shooting up the Western Conference standings.
If they make a legitimate push for a top-four seed while Draymond anchors one of the best defenses in the NBA, his case for DPOY becomes much stronger.