NBA Player Power Rankings: MVP Candidates Continue To Clash

January 18, 2017; Oakland, CA, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) dribbles the basketball against Golden State Warriors forward Kevin Durant (35) during the third quarter at Oracle Arena. The Warriors defeated the Thunder 121-100. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

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January 8, 2017; Sacramento, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr (left) instructs forward Draymond Green (23) against the Sacramento Kings during the third quarter at Golden 1 Center. The Warriors defeated the Kings 117-106. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

18. Draymond Green, Golden State Warriors

Position: Power Forward
Age: 26 (3/4/1990)
Experience: 5th Season
2016-17 Slash Line: .452/.321/.679
2016-17 Season Averages: 33.2 MPG, 10.7 PPG, 8.7 RPG, 1.6 ORPG, 7.7 APG, 2.0 SPG, 1.4 BPG, 1.1 3PM

The Golden State Warriors have superstars almost across the board, but it’s Draymond Green who’s the alpha in Oakland. He’s the vocal leader, the physical enforcer, the primary facilitator, and the most dominant defensive player on the best team in the NBA.

Green is the glue to a team that’s undergone significant changes and has maintained its dominance with a 36-6 record through 42 games.

Green’s signature performance came against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Jan. 16. He went off for 11 points, 13 rebounds, 11 assists, five blocks, and a steal on 4-of-6 shooting as the Warriors decimated Cleveland 126-91.

With Green and Kevin Durant teaming up to contain LeBron James, the best player in the world shot 6-of-18 from the field and committed six turnovers.

Green leads the Warriors in rebounds, assists, and steals per game. He’s No. 8 in the NBA and No. 1 on Golden State in Real Plus-Minus. Both statistically and beyond the numbers, Green is invaluable.

Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant will make headlines, but without Draymond Green, the Warriors’ defense and chemistry would crumble.