Buddy Hield is a big fan of his Warriors teammate and star forward Draymond Green.
In an exclusive interview with NBC Sports Bay Area’s Kerith Burke for “Dubs Talk,” the sharpshooter explained how the two-way captain is in a league of his own on the defensive end.
“He’s a Hall of Famer, stamped on defense; he’s probably the greatest defender this game’s ever seen,” Hield told Burke. “Because the way he navigates things and quarterbacks things from the back — it’s just impressive.”
Hield is just one of many in the NBA world who recognize Green as the greatest defender to ever do it.
The claim makes sense, as Green has helped Golden State win four NBA championships over his 13 seasons with the franchise, largely because of his defensive prowess and the way he “quarterbacks.”
Green surprisingly has won just one Defensive Player of the Year nod, which he earned in 2016-17. But those who have watched Green over the course of his career know that he is a defensive coordinator on the court, among several other things.
“He’s the big-bro vibes,” Hield said. “He’s a compassionate leader. He’s the heartbeat of this team. He always wants to win, so whatever he says, it’s not coming from a bad place; he’s just been in the fire a long time, and he knows what it takes to win.
“Everything that he says, I don’t take it the wrong way, because I know he’s just trying to make me better. … He’s one of the best competitors this game’s ever had.”
Green wants to win. And Hield appreciates how Green not only is a vocal leader, but also a defensive icon who sets the tone on both sides of the floor.
“I love going to battle with him because I know he has my back every time,” Hield said.
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