Draymond Green Still Believes He’s the NBA’s Best Defender — and He’s Backing It Up

Fourteen seasons into his career, Draymond Green hasn’t lost his edge — or his confidence. The Golden State Warriors forward, known as much for his defense as his fire, continues to view himself as the NBA’s top stopper. During a recent episode of The Draymond Green Show, the four-time All-Star made that belief clear, declaring that his defensive instincts are sharper than ever.

“I feel like defensively right now, I can see everything in slow motion — way before it happens,” Green said. “I want to make first team all-defense… don’t get me wrong, I still think I’m the best.”

The comment, shared widely on social media, quickly reignited debate among fans and analysts about Green’s place among the league’s elite defenders. But for Green, the words aren’t bluster — they’re a reflection of the meticulous preparation, anticipation, and basketball IQ that have defined his career.

At 35, he may not have the same physical explosiveness he once did, but his timing, positioning, and ability to read offenses remain elite. As Golden State adjusts to a roster blending new faces with seasoned champions, Green’s leadership and defensive vision continue to set the tone for the team’s identity.

1. A Career Built on Defense and Fire

Green’s confidence doesn’t exist in a vacuum — it’s backed by results. A four-time NBA champion, a 2017 Defensive Player of the Year, and a five-time All-Defensive First Team selection, he’s long been regarded as one of the smartest and most versatile defenders of his generation. That defensive excellence was on display again this season. In Golden State’s 131–118 win over the Memphis Grizzlies, Green dished out 10 assists, added seven points, and anchored the Warriors’ paint protection. A few nights earlier, in the season opener against the Los Angeles Lakers, he nearly recorded a triple-double with eight points, seven rebounds, and nine assists — while also picking up the NBA’s first technical foul of the year less than seven minutes into the game. His trademark energy, intensity, and willingness to challenge teammates remain unchanged. While Green’s statistical production may not match his prime years, his impact goes far beyond the box score — influencing rotations, disrupting offensive sets, and inspiring his teammates to match his urgency. “Draymond’s voice carries weight,” head coach Steve Kerr said earlier this month. “He’s our emotional leader and the engine that drives our defense. He still sees the game on a level most players don’t.”

2. Chasing History While Leading the Next Generation

Green’s goals for the 2025–26 season are both personal and team-oriented. Individually, he’s targeting a sixth All-Defensive First Team selection — a milestone that would place him among the best defenders in NBA history. Collectively, he’s focused on guiding Golden State’s veteran-laden core through what may be one of their final championship runs together. Now in the final guaranteed year of his four-year, $100 million contract, Green holds a $27.6 million player option for the 2026–27 season. That decision — to opt in, test free agency, or potentially retire — looms on the horizon, but the forward has made it clear he’s locked in on the present. He remains a central figure alongside Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler, two stars whose leadership mirrors his own in different ways. Together, the trio anchors a Warriors roster looking to blend experience with development — and to recapture the consistency that made Golden State one of the most dominant dynasties in league history. Green’s approach hasn’t changed: win through defense, toughness, and accountability. Whether he’s guarding a center or switching onto a guard, the former Michigan State standout continues to dictate matchups with intelligence and grit.

3. Still Setting the Tone in Golden State

For the Warriors, Green’s energy remains as vital as his defense. His voice in huddles, direction on the floor, and willingness to challenge both teammates and opponents keep Golden State’s competitive edge alive. As the season unfolds, that leadership will be crucial to maintaining the team’s defensive standard — the foundation on which its success has always been built. While critics may point to his age or history of technicals, Green’s understanding of the game continues to evolve. He’s traded some explosiveness for anticipation, some physicality for precision — but the result remains the same: impact. “This is what I do,” Green said recently. “I’ve built my career on defense, on seeing the game differently. That’s never changing.” Whether this is his last great run or another chapter in an already storied career, Draymond Green’s conviction hasn’t wavered — and neither has his ability to back it up.