So, Steve Kerr is saying that Draymond is an even better defender than Hakeem Olajuwon, Dennis Rodman, Gary Payton…

“Steve Kerr’s Bold Claim: Draymond Green, a Better Defender than Legends Hakeem Olajuwon, Dennis Rodman, and Gary Payton”

In an interview that sent waves through the basketball world, Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr made a bold declaration: Draymond Green is a better defender than NBA legends like Hakeem Olajuwon, Dennis Rodman, and Gary Payton.

The words came as a surprise to many, as these Hall of Famers had long been regarded as some of the fiercest defenders in basketball history. But Kerr, who has coached Green for nearly a decade, offered an explanation that might just change the way we view modern defense in the NBA.

“I know the legends, I know what they did on the floor, but when you look at what Draymond brings defensively in today’s game, he does things that were never possible before,” Kerr said, a mixture of admiration and confidence in his voice.

The Case for Draymond

Steve Kerr’s claim wasn’t made lightly. While Olajuwon, Rodman, and Payton had their own unique defensive styles that helped them dominate in their respective eras, Kerr pointed to the evolution of the game, where versatility and adaptability are more important than ever.

Draymond Green, a 6’6″ forward, is a defensive Swiss army knife—he can guard positions 1 through 5, switching seamlessly between smaller guards and larger centers. His basketball IQ is unparalleled, and his ability to read the game, anticipate plays, and communicate with his teammates makes him the anchor of the Warriors’ defense.

Unlike Olajuwon, who dominated as one of the best shot-blockers of all time, or Rodman, whose rebounding and toughness made him a nightmare for opponents, Green’s defensive impact transcends traditional metrics. Kerr highlighted Green’s ability to guard on the perimeter, protect the rim, and disrupt passing lanes, all while maintaining an elite level of communication and leadership on the floor.

“People forget that Draymond has the tools to defend every position and the basketball IQ to know when to be aggressive and when to play disciplined,” Kerr explained. “We don’t just need him to lock down a center or grab rebounds. He switches and locks up guards on a fast break, he’s forcing turnovers with his hands, and he’s smart enough to cover the entire defensive scheme without needing to be in one place.”

How Does Draymond Compare to the Legends?

To better understand Kerr’s claim, let’s compare Green’s defensive prowess to that of Olajuwon, Rodman, and Payton—three players who defined defense in their respective eras.

Hakeem Olajuwon: A center with an incredible combination of shot-blocking, post defense, and footwork, Olajuwon was a dominant force in the paint. While Green’s rim protection may not rival Olajuwon’s, his perimeter defense and ability to switch across multiple positions is something that even Hakeem didn’t have to do in the 90s.

Dennis Rodman: Known for his relentless rebounding and ability to guard multiple positions, Rodman was a force in the trenches. But Green brings more versatility than Rodman ever had, able to contribute in transition defense, on-ball defense, and playmaking for his team.

Gary Payton: “The Glove” was perhaps the best perimeter defender in NBA history. Payton could shut down the best guards of his time with his tenacious on-ball defense. However, Green’s ability to guard the rim, lock down the paint, and still contribute to perimeter defense makes him an even more well-rounded defender than Payton.

A New Era of Defense

Kerr’s perspective is indicative of a shift in the way the NBA views defense. Gone are the days when centers could only guard the paint, or when wings were expected to stay on one side of the court. In today’s NBA, switching, versatility, and multi-positional players are crucial—qualities that Green exemplifies in spades.

“Draymond is a product of the modern NBA,” Kerr said, acknowledging that the league has changed dramatically since Olajuwon, Rodman, and Payton were in their primes. “The demands on players are different now, and Draymond’s ability to fill every defensive role on the floor is more valuable than anything else.”

Conclusion: The Defensive Revolution

While Kerr’s comments might still raise some eyebrows among NBA purists, there’s no denying that Draymond Green’s impact on the defensive end is extraordinary. His ability to change games with his defense—without the need for traditional metrics like blocks or steals—could just make him one of the best to ever do it.

Whether or not you agree with Kerr’s bold statement, one thing is clear: Draymond Green is an anomaly in today’s NBA, and if his career continues on its current trajectory, he’ll likely go down as one of the greatest defenders in history.

In the end, the game is always evolving—and maybe, just maybe, Green is the perfect defender for this new era of basketball.