Draymond Green vs Zion Williamson tonight – held to 5-of-20 shooting. And vs Lauri Markkanen on Friday – 4-of-17. All this to say that the Warriors’ floor general is on the ultimate mission to make an impact as one of the greatest defenders. There’s no two ways about the fact that when Draymond Green is on the floor, the change is effective and immediate. Just take last season’s defensive rating, for example.

With Green, the Dubs had a defensive rating of 113.5 and without him, it shot to 121.1! So, why does Dray feel the need to make a statement? The veteran forward isn’t too happy that his name has been forgotten among all the Chets and Wembys.

“Spent all summer watching everyone talking about Chet (Holmgren) and Wemby (Victor Wembanyama), and what they’re doing defensively. Don’t forget about Dray, you know?” he said, via Ohm Youngmisuk of ESPN.

Well, that’s quite the reason, but hey, if it helps the Warriors play like tonight and in their previous matchup with the Pelicans, then sure! But going up against New Orleans isn’t easy. Of course, if it was the same Zion as the last few years, it wouldn’t be long before he would be sidelined with an injury. However, the ex-Duke phenom has also entered 2024-25 with renewed energy and a stunning transformation that has already not a few opponents dreading going against him.

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And those who have faced off against ‘Zanos’ to this point will no doubt echo Green’s sentiment. “Draymond on defending Zion on back-to-back nights: “it hurts.” “He’s gotten so much better over the last, what, first four years of his career.”,” he reportedly said via Kendra Andrews.

Despite it all, as mentioned above, ‘DrayMagic’ was on full display as he held the Pels’ freight train to an inefficient shooting night.

Draymond Green believes he “deserves” a spot in the defensive player conversation

It’s clear that not hearing his name in the defensive player conversation has irked the 4x champion. Green took home the Defensive Player of the Year award in 2016-17, finished third in 2020-21, and came in fourth in 2022-23. But last season? He was out of the running entirely. Even so, he was still named to the All-Defensive team since 2015 – four times each as a First and Second Teamer.

Green also claims he had a great season last year. “I think I had a really good year last year defensively. I just didn’t play enough games.” And why do you think that happened? Simply because the spotlight was on Dray’s suspensions following some on-court altercations. From choking Rudy Gobert to swatting Jusuf Nurkic across the face, the league ultimately handed an indefinite suspension to the 4x All-Star.

However, it seems the 34-year-old is intent on putting it all behind him. Referring to his statement about Wembanyama and Holmgren, he added another assurance to Andrews. “When I’m matching up with these guys, that’s my mindset.” 

In true Draymond fashion, the Michigan native is channeling the past into fuel for his future. Determined to remind the league of his defensive prowess, Green is laser-focused on proving that he’s still among the NBA’s elite defenders. With his sights set on the young rising stars, he’s ready to reclaim his place in the Defensive Player of the Year conversation. And as always, when Draymond’s on the court, he’s there to make a statement.