Draymond Green answers if NBA DPOY-favorite Victor Wembanyama is better than him

Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images

Draymond Green has given an honest assessment of Victor Wembanyama’s defensive impact, acknowledging the San Antonio Spurs star’s edge while explaining what separates his own game.

The comparison comes as Wembanyama continues to emerge as a leading Defensive Player of the Year candidate.

But Green’s response shows how differently elite defenders can influence the game.

Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images

Draymond Green explains his defensive style vs Victor Wembanyama

Speaking in a recent interview shared via NBA Today, Green outlined what he believes sets his defensive approach apart.

“The one thing that I do defensively that you’ll never be able to quantify is, I’m a positional defender. So I’m not giving you your spots you want to get to. I like to deter shots,” Green said.

He added, “I’m not Victor Wembanyama’s height, so I’m not going to block every shot, so I want to give myself into a spot to where you can’t even get to your shot. But I think that kind of anticipation is sometimes tough to quantify.”

Green’s focus is on anticipation and positioning rather than highlight plays.

It is an approach built on reading the game early and preventing actions before they fully develop.

Draymond Green acknowledges Victor Wembanyama’s defensive impact

While explaining his own strengths, Green also made a clear distinction when comparing himself to Wembanyama.

“Well, when you look at a Victor Wembanyama, he is one that does that same thing, but in a different way, because all of a sudden, a guy gets to a hole, whereas you usually take that shot, you see a lot of times, guys see him in the area, they just dribble the ball out,” he continued.

The Warriors star concluded, “To sit and say today that my defense is more impactful than Victor Wembanyama’s, I think that would be a lie, and I’ve never been one to not be honest.

“I wouldn’t put myself above him, but I wouldn’t put myself below anyone else.”

Wembanyama’s size changes decisions instantly, while Green’s influence comes from denying opportunities before they appear.

Together, the comments underline how defensive impact can take different forms, even among the game’s elite players.

Read more:

• Draymond Green feels a ‘nasty breakup’ is looming over Giannis Antetokounmpo and Milwaukee Bucks
• Why Warriors’ Draymond Green feels NBA Play-In Tournament ‘ain’t working’
• How Draymond Green sees latest MVP straw poll with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leading