Golden State Warriors: The rise of Draymond Green

Rise to stardom

If fans didn’t like Draymond Green during the 2014-15 season, they were really going to hate him during the playoffs. In the postseason, Green averaged 13.7 points, 10.1 rebounds, 5.2 assists, 1.8 steals and 1.2 blocks per game. His all-around impact on the game was profound.

His contributions would go on to help lead the Warriors to their first NBA championship in 40 years.

The next season saw Green step his game up again. He was named as an NBA All-Star and was selected to the All-Defensive First Team. He was the glue that pieced the Warriors together. His defensive fire combined with his ability to be a playmaker on the offensive end was enough to make the Warriors a great team.

Throw in the explosion that was 2015-16 Stephen Curry and you have one of the greatest teams in basketball history. Green and the Warriors won an NBA-record 73 regular season games.

Green had officially become a star in the NBA. The pre-draft doubts of him not being a capable defender were completely squashed. There was no question he was one of the best defenders in the league. His quickness and strength gave him all the physical tools needed to be great. However, his high defensive IQ put him over the top as an elite defender. In the 2016-17 season, Green won the Defensive Player of the Year Award.

Currently, Green has been named to four All-Defensive teams and two All-NBA teams. He is also a three-time All-Star and three-time NBA champion. He has been the motor that keeps the Warriors running and is incredibly valuable.

His on-court antics are still annoying opposing fanbases, but his effectiveness cannot be questioned. Draymond Green is a star.