“I have a top two, and that’s Scottie Pippen and Draymond,” Steve Kerr said after the Dubs clinched a 117-114 win over the Toronto Raptors. Praising the Warriors, the former Chicago Bulls player named the veteran forward the “best defender in the world.” He even made some bold comparisons and drew parallels. And, several have called out the HC’s statement. Eddie A. Johnson is one of them. Despite praising Draymond Green for his offensive skills, the NBA legend seemed a bit skeptical about giving the crown of the best defender to the Warriors star over former basketball players. The retired NBA player doesn’t mind arguing with netizens about it.

Placing Green at the highest pedestal wasn’t the issue. The real controversy stemmed from the Warriors coach comparing Green with two of the most legendary players in league history, as well as his former teammates. He noted the similarities between Scottie Pippen who was selected for 10 NBA All-Defensive teams, and Green. He believes that the only thing that is different between Pippen and Green is “that Draymond is physically stronger and more capable of guarding low-post players,” he said. He also drew parallels between Green and rebounding king Dennis Rodman. 

It quickly created a controversy on social media, with experts and netizens sharing their opinions. After Rick Kamla expressed his disagreement on X, former basketball player Johnson also took to social media. “Ring Ring, Steve, Draymond is not better than Dennis Rodman on D, your ex teammate!” Johnson said. Rodman too boasts eight NBA All-Defensive Team selections and is considered one of the bests in the league’s history.

As some netizens argued against his statement, Johnson surprisingly replied to some of them to debate. While Johnson didn’t agree with Kerr on Green being better than former veteran defenders, he had previously appreciated Green’s offense.

Eddie Johnson lauded Draymond Green for his exceptional offensive game

After the All-Star break and Jimmy Butler joined the roster, the Golden State Warriors have changed for the better. Needless to say, the team has clinched stunning wins over the New York Knicks and Houston Rockets. While many, including the Warriors players, praised Butler, Green’s offensive efforts also didn’t go unnoticed.

And it was the same man who highlighted it and said, “This dude has been like, he’s more focused offensively this year than he’s ever been. It’s not like he is taking a ton more shots… but he’s actually a threat offensively when teams are leaving him alone. That’s where you value him.” 

The 8x All-Defensive honoree is averaging 9.2 points per game. Shooting 35.3 percent shooting from deep, he has continued to add more than 11 points in the last few games. Johnson believes that Green has elevated his offensive game. The retired NBA player highlighted Green’s 23-point performance including four three-pointers against the Sacramento Kings

“We’re seeing a guy that’s not afraid to shoot the three now and to go and get plus 20 points in any given game… it’s something, as an opponent, you have to pay attention to,” he told TermineRadio. What is your take in this debate?