Draymond Green has never lacked confidence, and while that has made him a successful force around the NBA, that has also earned him a lot of detractors.
Perhaps his hottest take thus far happened a couple of weeks ago when he stated that he was the greatest defender of all time, prompting several responses around current and former players:
“I think I’m the best defender to ever play this game. One hundred percent. That’s my opinion. When I look at all the facets that make up the defensive side of the ball, I think I’m great in every facet that makes up that side of the ball. I think I’m the best defender to ever play in the NBA. I stand by that, I’d put myself up against anyone,” Green said.
More recently, former Detroit Pistons great John Salley was the latest to chime in on this debate. As expected, he didn’t side with Green on this subject, claiming that he has no business calling himself like that:
“Dennis Rodman, Let’s start with the guy who got an All-Defensive player; I don’t know how many years. Made the All-Star game and all that without even putting the ball in the basket. So, let’s start there. Alvin Robinson. I am going to a name to make these kids look them up. (He) was amazing. Gary Payton, the reason he was called the ‘the glove’. John Salley will block your shot and get in your head and can guard somebody shorter than him and somebody 60 pounds heavier,” he jokingly concluded.
Well, we can all agree that Green is one of the most versatile defenders ever and that’s he’s pretty good in that regard. That’s not up for debate. Nonetheless, there’s a huge difference between being great and being the greatest of all time.
