NBA Player Power Rankings: Rested LeBron James Thriving

Dec 4, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) against the New Orleans Pelicans during overtime of a game at the Smoothie King Center.The Pelicans defeated the Cavaliers 114-108 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /

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Dec 6, 2015; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) reacts after a three point shot during the second half against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center. The Golden State Warriors defeated the Brooklyn Nets 114-98. Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports /

17. Draymond Green, Golden State Warriors
Last Rank: No. 16
Position: Power Forward
Age: 25
Slash Line: .460/.378/.707
Season Averages: 34.0 MPG, 13.0 PPG, 8.5 RPG, 7.0 APG, 1.4 BPG, 1.0 SPG, 1.3 3PM

Without Draymond Green, the Golden State Warriors wouldn’t be the powerhouse that they are. You can debate how well Green would play on another team, but for the 23-0 Warriors, he’s absolutely vital.

Not only is Green the versatile defensive anchor, but he’s been instrumental in the team’s success in, quite literally, every phase of the game.

Green leads the 23-0 Warriors—apologies, but that cannot be said enough—in both rebounds and assists per game. He’s third in 3-point field goals behind Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson, and also ranks No. 3 in blocks, steals and offensive boards.

Around the league, Green’s 7.0 assists are good for No. 7 overall—and that’s coming from a power forward.

Beyond the basic numbers is the fact that Green defends players at just about every position. He’ll lock a perimeter player down, overwhelm opponents significantly bigger than he in the defensive post, and overcomes his 6’7″ height to thrive in protecting the rim.

This past week, he showed the ability to take over in another area, scoring, when he put up 22 points, nine rebounds and seven assists against the Brooklyn Nets.

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