Draymond Greenbodied Kawhi Leonard. He kept up with Kevin Durant. Chased Shae Gilgous-Alexander.
The former Defensive Player of the Year’s past three assignments have been a “badge of honor,” he told reporters Saturday, three days after his 36th birthday.
On the heels of a month where, statistically and anecdotally, he was one of the Warriors’ most detrimental players,Green’s latest challengealso shows that doesn’t have to be the case. He is not the same player he once was — but he doesn’t have to be.
“The last few games, if you think about it … (Green) guarded three of the hardest guys on earth,” coach Steve Kerr said. “And has done a phenomenal job.”
Kerr has talked openly about what atrying year it has been for Green, who has had to come to terms with not only the diminished role and performance that accompanies aging, but to do so without the help of Jimmy Butler and, more recently, Steph Curry.
It has increasingly been in the Warriors’ best interest forGreento take a backseat — or a seat on the bench — particularly when he can’t wingman for Curry. Over the course of February, which Curry missed entirely with knee inflammation, Green accumulated a negative-89 plus-minus in 210 minutes, worst among Golden State’s roster by more than 30 points.
Green’s defensive acumen never dimmed. And now it’s being featured in a different way.
“Give Draymond the toughest task and have a big guy behind him,” Kerr said. “It’s a good formula.”
Green has always been a difference-maker defensively, but he would typically act as more of an air-traffic controller, directing the defense from down low. That set-up had its shortcomings, asking the 6-foot-5 Green to play center more often than Kerr was comfortable.
Small-ball five was never Green’s favorite assignment, either. It was born out of necessity. Besides Kevon Looney (6-foot-8), it’s been a while since the Warriors had a big guy they could put behind Green.
Source: California Post – Breaking California News, Photos & Videos
