Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green is a force to be reckoned with on defensive end on the court. Off the court, Draymond Green is just the same defensive force for the Golden State Warriors.
Draymond has been the most vocal Golden State Warrior this season especially when it comes people criticizing the Golden State Warriors especially their defense. After the Golden State Warriors 105-100 win over the struggling Atlanta Hawks on Monday night, Draymond Green talks about what motivates him on his defensive performance this season and how he felt about the critics. Draymond Green had a game high four blocks during that game.
"The world says we traded our defense away when we got KD," Draymond Green said. "I disagree. So, I think our defense actually has the upside to be better with the length and everything that we have, the speed, the athleticism. That pissed me off more than anything, that it's kind of like, 'Yeah, their defense is going to suck now.' I take that personally. So that pushes me more than anything else."
During the off season, the Golden State Warriors signed Kevin Durant. As a result the Golden State Warriors needed to let go of Andrew Bogut and Harrison Barnes. Two players who have been key factors in their defense. Especially Andrew Bogut who has been the Golden State Warriors rim protector the past few seasons.
Ever since the Golden State Warriors have let go of Andrew Bogut and Harrison Barnes, both of whom are with the Dallas Mavericks right now, the team has been hearing a lot of talk about how weak they are on the defensive end right now and how they don't have a rim protector to block away shots. But so far this season, the Golden State Warriors have proven doubters wrong.
This season, the Golden State Warriors are for fourth best in the NBA for holding down opponents to 43% shooting. The Golden State Warriors defensive efficiency is the seventh highest spot at 101.9.
Draymond Green and All Star Kevin Durant are in the NBA's top 15 in blocked shots per game. Draymond Green averages 1.6 blocks per game while Kevin Durant averages 1.6 blocks per game. As a whole, the Golden State Warriors are second in blocked shots per game averaging 6.4 blocks per game. On Monday's game against the Atlanta Hawks, the Golden State Warriors blocked 10 shots.
The Golden State Warriors best shot blocker from last season may be gone this season, but they're more than compensating for that loss. The Golden State Warriors are doing the rim protecting as a team with Draymond Green fueling them.
