Buddy Hield had nothing but positive things to say about Draymond Green‘s performance in the Warriors‘ 104-89 win over the Pelicans. He noted that Green, who shot 3 three-pointers tonight, is someone who can shoot the ball for the Warriors, especially as they want to be the best three-point shooting team in the NBA. Hield also spoke about just how good a defender Green is for the Warriors.
“Good! I keep telling him he belongs to this world. Warriors want to shoot threes. I tell him he has a clip on him, he can shoot it… He’s just gifted (defensively), gritty, vocal, he understands it. There’s a reason why he’s been a defensive player of the year. He’s the master of defense. Steph is the master of offense. He’s one of those guys that just understands defense… “
Draymond had one of his better offensive performances in recent years against the Pelicans last night, as he put up 14 points, four rebounds, six assists, one steal, and five blocks. He shot 5-11 from the field, 3-5 from beyond the arc, and 1-1 from the free-throw line in last night’s win.
It was a monster game from Draymond on both ends of the floor, as he helped be a leader on both the offensive and defensive end of the court in the absence of Stephen Curry.
Green, who has started the season well for the Warriors, is currently averaging 6.0 points, 4.4 assists, 4.0 rebounds, 1.2 steals, and 1.6 blocks per game for the Warriors. He is currently shooting 50% from the three-point line this season, having shot 6-12 from beyond the arc so far.
This is far higher than his career three-point percentage of 32.1%, and if he can maintain this, it would be the highest three-point percentage he has had in his career, with the current highest coming from last year when he made 39.5% from the field.
If he can take a leap in his offensive numbers, perhaps even reach a point where averages double-digits in scoring, the Warriors could be very dangerous.
Green has taken on more of a leadership role in the brief absence of Stephen Curry. And with Curry’s status still undetermined, the Warriors will be hoping Green can provide a similar level of production as tonight, at least while Curry is out.
Draymond Green Looking To Be In DPOY Race
Draymond Green also spoke to reporters after the game about his ambitions for the season. Green told the media after the game that he spent the summer working on his defensive game, and wants to be included in the conversations for Defensive Player of the Year alongside Victor Wembanyama and Chet Holmgren.
“I spent all summer watching everyone talking about Chet and Wemby and what they’re doing defensively. Don’t forget about Dray. I want to be in that conversation as well.”
Green, who is a former Defensive Player of the Year, and has made eight All-Defensive teams in his career, is still one of the best defenders in the league. While his antics usually take away from his performances, there is no denying just how skilled of a defender Green is.
Green wanting to compete with Wembanyama, Holmgren, and reigning Defensive Player of the Year Rudy Gobert is a good sign that the Warriors want to be competitive this season. If Green can lock in defensively and put on performances like he did in the 2016-17 NBA season when he won Defensive Player of the Year, the Warriors will be a team to look out for come playoff time.
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