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[Saba Sports News] Golden State Warriors star Draymond Green has been a cornerstone of the team’s success since 2012, especially on the defensive end. Known for his intensity, high IQ, and a knack for getting under opponents’ skin, Green fully embraces the mental side of the game as much as the physical—and he doesn’t just aim it at players.
In a recent feature for The Athletic, Green opened up about his defensive mentality and the unique way he approaches disrupting opposing offenses.
A four-time NBA champion, Defensive Player of the Year (2017), and four-time All-Defensive First Team member, Green takes pride in wrecking well-planned schemes.
“Every offense in the NBA is built to put defensive players in rotation,” Green explained. “So if I know that, and I know the rotation… if I see y’all doing this to get to that? Great. I’m going to stand right there and f— this whole play up.”
But it’s not just players who get the Draymond treatment—coaches do too. Green admitted he actively targets opposing head coaches in a personal battle to throw off their game plans.
“I want everything y’all thought you were gonna do out the window,” he said. “That’s why I talk to the coaches so much. It’s my little battle with the coach. I want to f— your s— up. No hard feelings—it’s banter—but I want to destroy your offensive game plan. And then I want to let you know I did.”
Green’s confrontational style has made him one of the most polarizing—and effective—defensive players in the league. Alongside longtime teammate Stephen Curry, he remains one of the Warriors’ few constants as they chase another deep playoff run. Now surrounded by more tough-minded players, including Jimmy Butler, Golden State looks to be rounding into form.
At 44-31, the Warriors currently sit fifth in the Western Conference and will face the Los Angeles Lakers next on Thursday night.