NBA analyst Colin Cowherd recently offered an explanation for why Stephen Curry and the Golden State Warriors continue to support Draymond Green, even in the face of his various conflicts and altercations. Cowherd emphasized Green’s role as a catalyst both on and off the court, highlighting his exceptional defensive prowess as the greatest in the league over the past decade.
“In the room, on the plane, on the bench he’s an absolute catalyst. ‘Well, you’re just defending him because’…because he’s the greatest defensive player in the league over the last decade, with four rings, and 8x first or second all defense. Everybody always wants a physical team.”
“You hear all the time your ‘NBA team’s not physical enough’ and then when you get a physical guy this is what it looks like – the occasional punch at practice, the occasional chokehold defending his player. I know it makes you totally uncomfortable, that’s because you saw it and that stuff happens all the time and you don’t.”
“But if somebody picked on my star in hockey? Gretzky always had a guy, always had a guy. Draymond is that guy. Somebody’s gotta clean up the trash, somebody’s gotta be the bouncer at the skinny jeans night club.”
“Everybody complains that they want physicality, well when you get it this is what it looks like. The enforcer. The supporter. The think later, act now to defend my guy. This is what it looks like, and it is at times hard to explain.” (2:12)
"Why would he ever change? The people that need to understand Draymond Green get him… He's an absolute catalyst."
— @ColinCowherd defends the Warriors forward pic.twitter.com/40I19zgByZ
— Herd w/Colin Cowherd (@TheHerd) November 16, 2023
Cowherd acknowledged the discomfort that arises when witnessing incidents like Green’s occasional punch at practice or his recent chokehold on Rudy Gobert. However, he argued that such physicality is a manifestation of what fans often clamor for – a tough, enforcer-type player who acts as the team’s defender and supporter.
Drawing parallels with other sports, Cowherd referenced the role of an enforcer in hockey, noting that legends like Wayne Gretzky always had someone to protect them. In his analogy, Draymond Green serves as the “guy” who steps up to defend his teammates, akin to a bouncer at a nightclub where physicality is expected.
Cowherd concluded by addressing the dichotomy fans often express – the desire for a more physical team and the discomfort when that physicality manifests in altercations. He underscored the importance of having someone like Draymond Green, who thinks later and acts now to defend his teammates, embodying the requested physicality in the league.
Draymond Green Is Player The Warriors Always Needed
Draymond Green has proven himself to be the player the Golden State Warriors always needed—a tenacious, versatile force on the court who embodies the grit and physicality reminiscent of iconic NBA enforcers. In the mold of players like Dennis Rodman with the Bulls and Bill Laimbeer with the Pistons, Green brings a unique skill set that goes beyond traditional statistical contributions.
Much like Rodman’s impact during the Bulls’ championship runs, Green is the Warriors’ defensive linchpin. His ability to guard multiple positions, disrupt passing lanes, and serve as the vocal leader on the court makes him an invaluable asset. Green’s defensive prowess is unparalleled, earning him numerous All-Defensive Team selections and establishing him as one of the premier defenders in the league.
Similar to Laimbeer’s role with the “Bad Boys” Pistons, Green is unafraid to embrace the physicality of the game. His willingness to do the dirty work, set hard screens, and engage in battles in the paint elevates the Warriors’ overall toughness. In an era where finesse and skill often dominate, Green’s hard-nosed approach harks back to a time when physical play was a defining characteristic of championship-caliber teams.
Beyond his defensive and physical contributions, Green serves as a crucial protector for the Warriors’ star players, particularly Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson. Much like the enforcers of the past, Green doesn’t hesitate to confront opponents who target his teammates, establishing a culture of unity and support within the team.
In addition to his on-court contributions, Green’s vocal leadership and basketball IQ make him an indispensable presence in the Warriors’ locker room. His ability to motivate and hold teammates accountable has been instrumental in the team’s success, fostering a championship mindset reminiscent of the great teams in NBA history.
In essence, Draymond Green is the linchpin that ties together the Warriors’ championship aspirations. His multifaceted contributions, both tangible and intangible, make him the player the Warriors always needed—a modern-day enforcer who embodies the spirit of iconic NBA teams that thrived on physicality, teamwork, and a relentless pursuit of victory.
We sincerely appreciate and respect you as a reader of our site. It would help us a lot if you follow us on Google News because of the latest update.
Thanks for following us. We really appreciate your support.
