Draymond Green has done it again! Seriously. Just when you think you’ve seen it all from the Golden State Warriors’ outspoken star, he goes and adds another massive feather to his cap. Yes, he’s a player who consistently makes headlines (sometimes for all the wrong reasons), but when it comes to defense, there’s rarely a debate about his impact. So, what’s the latest?
Draymond Green just earned his ninth career selection to the NBA All-Defensive Team! Yup, nine times. That’s some legendary stuff, to be honest. We’re talking about a guy who’s been First Team All-Defense five times and even clinched the Defensive Player of the Year award in 2017. This season, he played 68 games, averaging 1.5 steals and 1.0 blocks, and still finished an impressive third in DPOY voting, right up there with defensive giants like Evan Mobley, Dyson Daniels, Luguentz Dort, and Amen Thompson on the First Team. And you know who was extra hyped?
His wife, Hazel Renee. The moment the Warriors’ official account dropped the news about his All-Defensive honor, Hazel was all over it, sharing it on her Instagram story. Her message? It was pure gold, dripping with pride: “9 x All Defensive Team! Very Impressive Amor. When I Say He’s The Man! THEE MAN!! Congratulations To Another Accolade Added Baby @money23green”
You can practically feel the adoration jumping off the screen, right? It’s not just his wife, either.
We all know how his longtime teammate, Stephen Curry, always champions Draymond. After the news broke, Steph hit up his own Instagram story, writing: “Been doing it your whole career but to be back on 1st team after a decade is legendary! 5 timer club. Congrats bro”
This incredible news, however, comes amidst a fresh wave of public scrutiny. Just recently, during Game 2 of the Knicks-Pacers series, Dray was on TNT duty at Madison Square Garden. When he stepped out onto the Chase Bridge near the set, he was immediately met with a barrage of heckling from passionate Knicks fans.
This wasn’t just random heckling. The beef between Draymond and Knicks fans runs deep. Remember his controversial comments about Karl-Anthony Towns’ bereavement leave earlier this year? Or how he constantly called the Knicks a “fluke” during last year’s playoffs on TNT, even getting called out by Kenny Smith for being a “hater”? New York fans don’t forget, and they don’t hold back when there’s history.
Defense never rests – why Draymond’s still locking up the league
So, what makes Draymond Green such a terrifying defender, year in and year out? It’s not just about flashy blocks or crazy athleticism, though he’s got plenty of both. Draymond’s defensive genius comes from something deeper: his brain, his versatility, and the way he just talks on the court.
He’s often described as the “quarterback” of the Warriors’ defense and rightfully so because he’s able to not only direct traffic, but he’s also excellent at anticipating plays sometimes seconds before they even unfold. He takes immense pride in making opposing coaches “figure something else out.” As he famously put it, “I want everything that y’all thought y’all was going to come in this game and do, I want to take all of that s— off the table.” He sees it as a personal “chess match” against opposing head coaches, aiming to “completely destroy your offensive game plan.”
His best weapon? His insane versatility. This dude is 6’6″, but he can guard anyone. He’s strong enough to battle big centers in the post, yet quick enough to stick with the fastest guards on the perimeter. That’s why the Warriors can switch everything on defense – because Draymond can handle it all.
Mar 22, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) argues a call against the Atlanta Hawks in the first quarter at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
He’s also a master at reading pick-and-rolls. You see him against a guy like Luka Dončić, and he’s not just guarding Luka – he’s thinking two steps ahead, cutting off the lob to the rolling big man, then instantly recovering to challenge a three-pointer. And his wingspan? It’s a ridiculous 7-foot-2, and you know he uses it to his advantage.
But beyond all the smarts and physical tools, it’s his sheer will. Draymond Green hates being scored on. That competitive fire, even when it sometimes gets him into trouble, is what makes him special. He’ll take a hit from Giannis, then sprint across the court to contest a three-pointer, all in one play.
He lives and breathes defense, and his nine All-Defensive selections are just proof that he’s one of the best to ever do it.
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