Not too long ago, Golden State Warriors veteran Draymond Green came out with a bold statement declaring San Antonio Spurs rookie Victor Wembanyama is undeserving of winning this season’s Defensive Player of the Year.
Green is himself a former DPOY winner, so his opinion holds a lot of stock. This is also why the four-time All-Star’s decision to retract his earlier statement is noteworthy.
Golden State Warriors Star Draymond Green Doubles Back on Previous Victor Wembanyama Claim
Green is not the type to keep his opinion to himself. This man has a lot of things to say and more often than not, he does not hold back in speaking his mind — regardless if it gets him into trouble.
One thing about the Warriors vet is that he also isn’t afraid to admit his mistakes. According to the 34-year-old, this is exactly what he committed when he previously said that Wembanyama does not deserve the DPOY title this season:
“I know I said here a little while back Wemby shouldn’t be the Defensive Player of the Year, and I lied,” Green said. “Wemby should be the Defensive Player of the Year because he is that amazing defensively. The way he impacts the game on the defensive end, whether it’s off the ball, on the ball, it’s a problem. … I don’t know what lab he was created in, but I need to go create me a son in that lab because dude is unbelievable.”
"I lied… Wemby should be the Defensive Player of the Year" – @Money23Green 🤷♂️ pic.twitter.com/7uPsIoMKIv
— The Volume (@TheVolumeSports) April 3, 2024
Green pointed out how Wembanyama’s mere presence down low causes all sorts of havoc on the opposition. According to Green, opposing players are now afraid to even attempt a lay-up whenever they see the young Spurs star manning the middle.
He’s absolutely right.
Green’s endorsement holds a lot of weight, but it likely won’t significantly influence how the voters make their decision on this season’s DPOY. For what it’s worth, the bookmakers have Wembanyama as the second-favorite to take home the crown behind three-time winner Rudy Gobert of the Minnesota Timberwolves.
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