Draymond Green will go down as one of the best defenders to ever play in the NBA. He’s made eight NBA All-Defense teams and took home the Defensive Player of the Year award in 2017.
Green won the most prestigious award for an individual NBA defender eight years ago. However, even at 35, he believes he can win another one this season.
Draymond Green Can Win 2025 NBA DPOY
When Green was asked about the possibility of winning the NBA’s Defensive Player of the Year award, Green didn’t mince words.
“Most definitely,” Green told reporters, per The Athletic’s Anthony Slater. “I look around the league. I don’t see many players impacting the game on the defensive end the way I do. I don’t see many players completely throwing off an entire team’s offense the way I do, so 1000%.”
Green explained how the opportunity is right there for him, given the circumstances.
“Especially with Wemby going down. It seemed like he had it won, and now it’s right there. So, one million percent, I have a case, and I’ll continue to build that case with these next 13 games,” Green said.
Draymond Green on DPOY: “I want another one.”
“Especially with Wemby going down. It seemed like he had it won. Now it’s right there.”
“One million percent I have a case and I’ll continue to build that case.” pic.twitter.com/Xzww4H8etz
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) March 19, 2025
Has Golden State Been Consistent Enough?
What works against Green is not so much what he can and can’t do on that side of the floor because that’s never been in question. Rather, it’s that Golden State has been woefully inconsistent as a team this season.
They started off the season well, then went through a major lull for a month or so, but since trading for Jimmy Butler, their season is back on track. It’s likelier that a player from one of the more consistent teams, like Oklahoma City or Cleveland, will win the award.
That’s not to say it’s too late for Green to strengthen his case. The Warriors have been rolling for the past month. If Green and company continue to build off of their play, Green has a strong case to win the award again.
Even if he doesn’t, this panning out as well as it has for the Warriors, even all these years later with Green, only further strengthens his overall legacy. Based on his value on four title teams, he probably will make the Hall of Fame.
However, the fact that he continues to play a vital role on a team still vying for a championship ten years after they won their first one only strengthens his case because of his longevity.
If he adds another one eight years after winning the award, Green’s resume just gets more impressive.