In a recent episode of “Gil’s Arena”, things got heated between former NBA players Nick Young and Kenyon Martin while debating Draymond Green‘s greatness. While Young had placed Green among his top 10 players of the 2010s, Martin disagreed with it quite passionately, claiming that he could name 200 players better than Green.
The conversation started when Martin said, “Let’s not act like Draymond was f***ing LaMarcus Aldridge.”
Young was quick to defend his teammate, highlighting Green’s NBA titles, which held significant weight over Aldridge’s lack of silverware. Martin responded to this by saying, “That’s the only thing he has on him. We’re talking about basketball.”
As the back-and-forth continued, Martin doubled down by saying, “I could list 200 people that’s better at basketball than Draymond Green.”
Inevitably, Young challenged Martin to name 200 basketball players better than Green. Among the names the former Nets forward mentioned, Al Jefferson, Elton Brand, and Dennis Rodman truly stood out.
While Young was dismissive of Jefferson and simply refused to respond to the comparison with Brand, he had a hard time arguing the case against Rodman.
Dennis Rodman is widely regarded as one of the best defensive players in NBA history, a fact that Gilbert Arenas confirmed when he said, “You know Dennis Rodman won Defensive Player Of The Year from coming off the bench?”
When considering Rodman’s incredible list of accolades, including his seven rebounding titles and 8x All-Defensive Teams selections, this achievement truly sets him apart.
Being compared to Rodman is a difficult obstacle for any player to overcome. But this doesn’t diminish Draymond Green’s achievements in the slightest. The Golden State Warriors forward has cemented his legacy as one of the best defensive players in the league, and his place as a Warriors legend is undeniable.
Since joining the team in the 2012-13 season, Green has established himself as a vital cog in the Warriors’ system. Playing the role of the defensive anchor as well as the primary facilitator, Golden State has found success thanks to the role the forward has played over the years.
In the 13 seasons he has spent with Golden State, the 35-year-old has carved out an impressive set of accomplishments for himself. With four NBA championships, four All-Star appearances, and two All-NBA selections, Green finds himself in exalted company.
As a defensive player, the forward can also hang his hat on being the 2016-17 DPOY and his 9x All-Defensive team selections he has earned, most recently last season.
While Green’s style of play may not see him gain a lot of appreciation from “pure” hoopers, it is evident that the 4x NBA champion has found a way to perfect the art of being a role player. As Golden State plans to mount another title charge next season, it is clear that the forward will remain an essential part of their schemes.
