The Golden State Warriors revolutionized the NBA over the last decade with a game-changing offensive strategy. However, the team has been one of the best defenses over this stretch despite not employing any star center. This is because longtime power forward Draymond Green has served as the team’s defensive engine for years and was rewarded as Defensive Player of the Year in 2017.
Green hasn’t won the award again, despite having comparable defensive seasons in the years since. With Victor Wembanyama not being eligible for the award this season, Draymond frankly told ESPN that he views this season as his last chance to win Defensive Player of the Year.
“I spoke about it earlier in the year. I spoke about it last year, about Wemby and Chet. They are. The young guys are great, and what they’re doing is amazing. I do think this is one of the last best chances I have. I think I have put together a good case, and I have six or seven games to continue building that case. Whatever happens, I think I should win it. I wish luck to all the guys in the running because it’s an incredible thing.”
Draymond Green says this may be his "last best chance" to win another Defensive Player of the Year Award 😮 pic.twitter.com/JR3W5NnHp0
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) April 3, 2025
The Warriors are having a strong defensive season, especially since the team added Jimmy Butler III in February. The Warriors have had a defensive rating of 110.0 since Butler’s debut, which would be the third-best in the league for this stretch. They have been a strong defensive team all season, but Butler’s addition has made them undeniable on that end.
None of it is possible without Green being a literal extension of the coaching staff on defense on the court. He might as well be their defensive coordinator with the way he ensures his teammates are in the right positions for defensive possessions while having the motor to cover off multiple opponents and being able to guard 1 through five if he has to contend with switches.
Draymond is averaging 6.2 rebounds, 1.5 steals, and 1,0 blocks per game this season. Unfortunately for Green, there are some really solid contenders he’ll have to beat for a crack at the award.
The leading contender seems to be Evan Mobley of the Cleveland Cavaliers, who has led the team to being one of the best defenses in the NBA while performing a similar role to Green. Mobley is averaging 9.2 rebounds, 0.8 steals, and 1.6 blocks this season.
While he isn’t as comfortable matching up with a guard as Green, he’s far more effective at deterring rim attempts alongside Jarrett Allen. Mobley has led the Cavs to a better defensive rating and record than the Warriors.
Jaren Jackson Jr. of the Memphis Grizzlies is the last major contender, averaging 5.7 rebounds, 1.2 steals, and 1.6 blocks per game.
Dyson Daniels won’t win the award because the Atlanta Hawks are finishing the season under .500, but his 3.1 steals per game this season is remarkable and likely guarantees him a spot on All-Defense First Team.
It’ll be an interesting award race. If Green puts in marquee performances to end the season, it’s not wild to see him win the award once again, likely for the final time.
