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Golden State Warriors: Draymond Green’s Case For Most Improved Player

By Gerald Bourguet

November 13, 2014; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) shoots the basketball against Brooklyn Nets center Brook Lopez (11) during the third quarter at Oracle Arena. The Warriors defeated the Nets 107-99. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
November 13, 2014; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) shoots the basketball against Brooklyn Nets center Brook Lopez (11) during the third quarter at Oracle Arena. The Warriors defeated the Nets 107-99. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /
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Draymond Green
January 5, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Serge Ibaka (9) is defended by Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) during the third quarter at Oracle Arena. The Warriors defeated the Thunder 117-91. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

Defensive Versatility

Last season, Green showed plenty of signs of being an elite defensive player. He finished fifth in the league in defensive rating and when Andrew Bogut went down for the playoffs, Green stepped into the starting lineup and became the biggest reason the Dubs took the series to seven games.

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As a starter this season, Green has delivered on all that promise of being a premier, versatile defender, leading the league in defensive rating (95.7) AND defensive win shares (2.6).

With his ability to guard four different positions, Green is a valuable asset who allows the Dubs to switch heavily on pick and rolls. He’s a great rebounder for his size as a “tweener,” averaging 8.2 rebounds per game compared to only 5.0 last year.

Simply put, Green has gone from being a good defender and under-utilized reserve to the glue that holds Golden State’s defense together. As my personal favorite for DPOY and one of the league’s most well-rounded defenders, it’s safe to say he’s definitely improved this area of his game.

Next: Replacing Lee

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