DPOY in 2017, Draymond Green does not hesitate to proclaim that he is the greatest defender of all time in his opinion. But a former champion recently wanted to set the record straight, comparing himself to the Warriors superstar. The verdict is clear and clear.

Golden State Warriors NBA star Draymond Green

Whether it was the fans of Phoenix during the 2000s or those of the Mavs during the epic 2011, no one has forgotten his invaluable contribution on the floors. Retired for almost a decade now, Shawn Marion nevertheless left his mark during his time on the NBA floor with his ultra-spectacular style of play:

Shawn Marion considers himself a better defender than Draymond Green

Within the Suns of Mike D’Antoni and Steve Nash, “Matrix” practically served as the perfect player as the winger was versatile on both sides of the field. During his best years, the guy averaged 22 points, almost 12 rebounds and 2 steals while dunking and blocking everything that moved. A real highlight machine in attack and defense.

 

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As he grew older, it was on his contribution in his own half that Marion focused, notably defending against LeBron James during the Finals won in 2011. To his eyes, he would completely represent a special case within the big league, as he recently explained on Jeff Teague’s podcast when discussing the Draymond Green situation :

Draymond, I love his toughness and his energy and his heart, but I think I was a much better defender than him. The reason I say that is because when I had to defend point guards or when I was defending on other players, I was defending on you the whole game. I was chasing you the whole game.

Most guys don’t do that, so it’s easy and much simpler for guys to switch on everyone every possession, but I can switch on someone for fifteen minutes. Defend on one guy the whole game? Most players don’t do this. No one in history has ever played like me. I am the only one.

Is Shawn Marion a better defender than Draymond Green? Everyone will have their own opinion on the question but it has the merit of being able to be asked. The Dancing Bear will likely have the edge in terms of overall basketball IQ, while Matrix easily put him in his rearview mirror athletically.