After Changing Opinions About LeBron James, Ex-NBA Champion Details Draymond Green’s Importance for Stephen Curry and Co.

There’ve been many instances of a player meaning far more to a team than the stat sheet can suggest. From Dennis Rodman to Patrick Beverley, we’ve seen players redefine the way we evaluate their impact. However, no one has been more prolific than Draymond Green with the Golden State Warriors. The heart and soul?of the Warriors system, Green is instrumental to the Warriors’ success. Their primary playmaker, best defender, and locker room voice, Draymond has been just as valuable as Stephen Curry. So, a former rival of Green could probably describe the true essence of Green as a player.

We got to hear from an NBA voice, and a man who went up against Green in 3 Finals, what makes Draymond Green special?

The value of Draymond Green

We get to hear from one of the greatest storytellers in the NBA. Iman Shumpert forged a long NBA career with notable stints with the New York Knicks and the Cleveland Cavaliers. As a member of the Cavs, Shump went to 3 straight Finals.

On the No Chill Gill podcast, Iman shared his idea on what made Draymond so great. After Draymond Green asked out of his player option and became an unrestricted free agent, Shumpert was asked about his importance to the GSW dynasty.

Shump was empathic in his praise for Green. “They have spurts of greatness, all of them individually… there’s something very consistent about somebody that doesn’t have to make shots but is a staple.” In his battles alongside LeBron James against the Warriors, Iman learned the importance of such a teammate.

“He’s gonna yell at the other team…He’s intense, he knows all the plays, he knows the coverages… He doesn’t have to perform well for him to mean something to a team.” Going a step further, Shumpert attributed Dray as their leader. “I think that he’s their consistency… When they have their ups and down…He’s their even keel.”?

With historic battles against them, Shumpert definitely has an idea about what he’s saying. While on historic battles alongside James, Shump reconsidered a certain GOAT discussion involving The King.?

Shumpert crowns LeBron the GOAT

In an interview with DraftKings, Iman admitted to changing his pick in the GOAT debate. ?I just put my guard down and said Bron you the best,? Shumpert said. ?You got it, greatest ever? It took JJ Redick?s quote for me to get here? I was looking like, ?Damn bro, have I been hating?’?

While the argument on either side is unwinnable, perhaps the compromise could be that each generation is going to have its own GOAT. Because of the impact of watching someone live, a generation that grew up in Jordan is always going to choose Jordan.

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Similarly, a generation growing up on James is going to choose him. It is a never-ending debate. But, a quick poll might give us some answers. Who is your GOAT? Let us know in the comments below.

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