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NBA Player Power Rankings: The Final Push For MVP

By Maxwell Ogden

Apr 5, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) hands off the ball in the third quarter against the Denver Nuggets at the Pepsi Center. The Thunder defeated the Nuggets 124-102. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 5, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) hands off the ball in the third quarter against the Denver Nuggets at the Pepsi Center. The Thunder defeated the Nuggets 124-102. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports /
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April 3, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23, top) shoots the basketball against Portland Trail Blazers center Mason Plumlee (24) and guard Damian Lillard (0) during the third quarter at Oracle Arena. The Warriors defeated the Trail Blazers 136-111. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
April 3, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23, top) shoots the basketball against Portland Trail Blazers center Mason Plumlee (24) and guard Damian Lillard (0) during the third quarter at Oracle Arena. The Warriors defeated the Trail Blazers 136-111. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

7. Draymond Green, Golden State Warriors

Last Rank: No. 7

Position: Power Forward

Age: 26

Slash Line: .482/.381/.697

Season Averages: 34.8 MPG, 13.9 PPG, 9.6 RPG, 1.7 ORPG, 7.5 APG, 1.5 SPG, 1.4 BPG, 1.2 3PM

What Golden State Warriors star Draymond Green is doing as a power forward is remarkable. Unfortunately, many attempt to downplay his contributions due to the way he goes against everything they know a power forward to be.

The reality is, Golden State wouldn’t be anywhere close to as dominant as it is without Green’s consistent impact.

Green is up to 13 triple-doubles on the season, and that’s been the result of minor spikes in production—not unmaintainable improvements. He’s stepping up to give Golden State whatever it needs, whether that be scoring, facilitating, or a dominant performance on the boards.

Green playing at an elite level defensively goes without saying.

Green has the best Net Rating of any player in the NBA—and yes, that includes Stephen Curry. He’s on pace to be the first player to average at least 10.0 points, 9.5 rebounds, and 7.5 assists since Magic Johnson in 1981-82, and has a chance to win Defensive Player of the Year—an award he received the most first-place votes for in 2015-16.

If nothing else, Green will add an All-NBA nod and another All-Defensive First Team selection to his growing resume.

Next: Definitely Still Elite