Not long ago, Draymond Green was once considered the best defender in the NBA. He was the NBA Defensive Player of the Year in 2017 and a four-time All-NBA Defensive First Team in 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2021. Today, Green wants the same respect.

The Golden State Warriors beat the New Orleans Pelicans on Wednesday night, with Green holding Zion Williamson to 5/20 from the field. After the game, Green wanted to send a message to critics who may have forgotten how good a defender he is.

“I wanted to go into the season in great shape,” Green said. “I know that when I go into the season in great shape, that’s the key to me having a good season, and it’s the key to this team having a good season. I spent the whole summer watching everyone talk about Chet (Holmgren) and Wemby (Victor Wembanyama) and what they’re doing defensively Don’t forget Dray I want to be in that conversation too, and I think I at least have the. right to participate.”

Green’s statement is very bold, but he clearly showed why he still deserves respect by the way he guarded Zion. Victor Wembanyama has the chance to be one of the greatest defenders of all time, but Green was certainly one of the best of the last 20 years.

The Golden State Warriors will next face the Houston Rockets on November 2.

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