Draymond Green's best chance at DPOY is to return Elite's defense of warriors | Bleacher's report

Draymond Green is one of the best defenders in the NBA, but if he wants to be defensive player of the year as he said after Wednesday's game against the New Orleans Pelicans, he would do better. as his team intensifies his defensive intensity.

"I need that," Green confessed his desire to win the title of defensive player of the year. "I need that, really bad, I was part of the second defense team last year, I'm still pissed off about it, I'll be pissed off at that." I say that, so that's one of my serious goals this year, and I'm up every night. "

"Absolutely," he added. "I'm upset, second defense team, it's disrespectful."

Friday's 116-99 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves was a great starting point. After a fragile defensive start, the Golden State Warriors blocked the game, scoring 12 points in the fourth quarter and keeping the Wolves under 100, first time they did it this season.

Green's reputation as one of the major and unique defenders of the league is warranted, but unlike Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant and Klay Thompson, he has not yet seen his statistics fully reflect his resume careers. It's partly because his team is ninth in defensive rating, andPart of that may have to do with the new freedom of movement rules that allow offenses to flourish.

"Something below 130 is a good performance," said head coach Steve Kerr jokingly before the game. "Everyone plays fast and very open, placing three point shooters everywhere, so it's harder to cover the whole floor."

During three quarters, the Warriors were ready to grant 116. After yielding 87 points in the first three quarters, the Wolves were well positioned to begin their road trip with a win – until the Warriors s & # 39; sag.

"We started flying, and our fourth quarter defense was great," Kerr said. "Anyone who's flying a ball, I thought Draymond was setting the tone, I'm not sure I've seen Draymond play better since I've been here."

Despite the defensive bad start of the team, Green has always made known its impact and all members of the organization know its value.

"Decision making, balance, the ability to cope with adversity, he knows how much we need him," added Kerr. "It's raising everyone up – it's really fun to watch it play."

Green is designed to be not only an elite individual defender, but also to improve his team's game for this purpose, and that's what he'll have to do to keep gaining ground for DPOY. Despite its height limitations at 6 "7", its 230-pound frame and 7 "1¼" span allow him to absorb the contact of the biggest players while disputing the shots.

The speed of his foot allows him to contain quick guards who think they can pick points after a change. He can see pieces unfolding two or three times in front of him, which allows him to defend the line of three points better than anyone else in the NBA.

His team allows 8.5 points short for 100 goods with him on the ground, largely because of his ability to eliminate the most effective shots of the game: the teams shoot 1.8 percent less frequently (81st percentile) corners with him on the floor.

The Warriors also allow teams to shoot 6.1% fewer shots on the edge (92nd percentile) while Green is on the ground. For a great man, having such a presence in both areas speaks volumes about his versatility.

Being able to defend his own position at an elite level is one thing, but he can pass to top scorers like Jimmy Butler, break the pick and roll as a rover and stop the games before they happen. He has the second highest number of deflections, has scored the most points and has beaten more than anyone. This combination is rare and does not materialize only by strength and speed.

"He's a brilliant basketball spirit," Kerr said of his defensive anchor. "Defensively, Draymond and André [Iguodala] can see two upcoming moves, and these days you have to cover much of the ground with all three-point shooting. Draymond has the ability to exhaust and defy a 3 but also to keep the post and scramble for everything else. He has a great spirit for that, athleticism and the strength to match. "

A bit like twice DPOY Kawhi Leonard, it is more and more likely that teams avoid dribbling around Green. That means less pick-and-roll with his man, which may allow the Warriors to eliminate a fatal blow, like Clint Capela-James Harden. pick-and-roll during the 2018 Final of the Western Conference. And like Rudy Gobert in 2018, it's also less and less likely that teams are attacking the edge with Green on the floor.

Green: the 2017 DPOY and member of four integral defense teams–is one of the best defensemen in the league, but to be catapulted into defensive player of the year, he will have to elevate his team's defense in the top three, where she has resided frequently since 2013-14 .

The warriors have taken a step in the right direction but still have work to do. Even with the new rules improving the fouls, someone must have the best defense in the league, and reaching that top may be the biggest selection of Green's application needles by DPOY.