It may only be early January, but the MVP race is already in full swing this season. So far, guys like Steph Curry, Kevin Durant, and Giannis Antetokounmpo reside near the top of the list as their teams currently represent the best the league has to offer.
But Jazz coach Quin Snyder threw a new name into the MVP conversation: Warriors star Draymond Green. Here’s what he said:
“I think If you want to put someone in the MVP conversation, he’s someone to me… Maybe the numbers don’t match up to some of the numbers that some other guys put up…He just does it his way.”
The Warriors have achieved great success over the past few years, winning three titles in five Finals appearances. After a few seasons of poor play, they’ve bounced back to reclaim their position at the top of the West.
Usually, it’s Steph Curry who is widely praised as the leader and MVP of the team.
But Draymond brings a lot to the table that elevates his importance in a big way. While he only averages 8.4 points per game, he’s an excellent playmaker and elite defender.
Simply put, his role on the Warriors cannot be understated.
“If anyone says that they are not Hall of Famer, they are stupid,” Corey Maggette said on Draymond and Klay Thompson. “Just being completely honest. These players are champions in this league.”
“These two players, it is almost like a dynasty when you think about the Golden State Warriors team and what they did. I’m from Chicago, so for them to break the Bulls’ record, it is something that I never, ever thought would happen. But they did it, they did it as a team. When you think about the Golden State Warriors,” Maggette concluded, “it’s not just Steph Curry. You have to always put Draymond Green and Klay Thompson in that picture.”
In the end, it’s unlikely Draymond will get considered for MVP this season. While he impacts the game in many ways, he just doesn’t have the numbers to warrant such an accolade.
But perhaps he and his team will win something even greater in a few months. We’ll just have to wait and see.
