Former NBA player Jeff Teague has made a bold statement about Draymond Green after his most recent performance for the Golden State Warriors.
The Warriors beat the Dallas Mavericks 120-117 in the NBA Cup on Tuesday night as Klay Thompson returned to the Chase Center for the first time since leaving this summer.
Steph Curry was the star of the show, scoring the Warriors’ last 12 points – 37 in total – to secure the Cup win for his team.
But Teague had more to say about Green, who he believes is ‘back to his old ways’.
Draymond Green is the type of player who often goes under the radar. His stat line is rarely impressive, evidenced by his 11 points, seven rebounds and six assists against the Mavs.
But the 34-year-old makes the Warriors tick on offense, and his defense is up there with the best in the world.
Indeed, Teague believes that the 2017 Defensive Player of the Year could be in line to win the award for a second time this season.
“We’ve got to talk about Draymond. He’s really going to be up there for Defensive Player of the Year,” Teague said on the Club 520 Podcast.
“Watching him play last night, he’s back to his old ways. He’s really taking over games on the defensive end, eliminating people.
“He did a hell of a job last night playing at the five. He’s a different-level defender.”
Teague went on to say that Green’s chemistry with Curry could make the Warriors a dangerous playoff team.
“He and Steph have got chemistry that you can’t deny, coming off pick and rolls. They might be a tough out, for real,” he added.
The heavy favorite to win the DPOY award before the season was Victor Wembanyama and that remains the case after three weeks.
The San Antonio Spurs have allowed the fourth-fewest points per game and Wemby is clearly the best defender on his team.
Another strong contender is Evan Mobley, on the 13-0 Cleveland Cavaliers, but their unbeaten run has been more about their league-leading offense.
Anthony Davis, Bam Adebayo and Dyson Daniels are among the other names with a chance of taking home the award.
Meanwhile, Draymond Green cannot be ruled out of the DPOY race, especially when the Warriors have a top-10 defense.
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