If there was any doubt that Draymond Green was not as good defensively as he once was, his performances in the two play-in games should put those concerns to rest.
There were several instances when many questioned whether the 36-year-old was still valuable for the Golden State Warriors to hold on to him.
The idea was that the franchise could offload the Michigan native, and in turn, use the draft assets and salary cap savings to sign impactful players who can help Stephen Curry try to win one more title before retiring.
But there is no doubting the fact that Green is a terrific leader and is known for helping younger players, except for that one instance involving Jordan Poole, reach their potential.
Then came his standout defensive masterclass in those two play-in games, and the narratives revolving around him flipped, with many coming forward to give the four-time champion his flowers.
He's the best defensive player I've ever seen. And that's saying a lot, given that I played with Scottie Pippen and Dennis Rodman… He can guard any action, any position, any player. And he can also blow up the play behind the play if he's not involved in the action because of his brain, his speed, his reach.
Steve Kerr told The New YorkerThe Warriors' head coach explained to the publication that the modern game is more demanding than when he played in the '90s. Along with the increased pace and energy, Steve Kerr places Draymond Green over some of the best defenders he has played with.
Usually, when someone with a direct reference to the past and the present says something, everyone sits up and takes notice. Steve Kerr also said something about LeBron James recently, where he placed the Lakers' superstar above Michael Jordan.
Tennis legend Boris Becker, and many others, did not agree with that opinion. This time, fans are back again to dismiss this opinion from the Warriors' coach about Draymond Green.
They believe that he is suffering from recency bias or is trying to do everything to ensure his understudy continues to be a part of the Warriors. Check out examples of those reactions below.
While Steve Kerr makes some compelling arguments about Draymond Green, there is no denying that two of his former teammates were some of the best defensive players in the history of the game. That is why fans felt that this was pure glazing rather than an actual opinion.
During his interview with The New Yorker, Steve Kerr talked about Draymond Green's positives quite a few times. Then, Charles Bethea, the interviewer, asked the coach about his skirmish with the 6'6″ forward this past season.
This year, we had a major blowout in December. He's such a unique person. There's things he's done that I can never forgive him for, and yet I will do anything for him.
Steve Kerr repliedThe 60-year-old acknowledged the sideline dust-up, but also made it clear that there is a reason why he will still be in the former Defensive Player of the Year's corner.
Green has had issues in the past that Kerr has not appreciated. But at the same time, the Los Angeles native knows that when in check, Draymond Green is a phenomenal basketball player and personality.
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