Ex-Lakers coach dubs Draymond Green as the greatest closeout defender of all time

Former player and head coach, Mike Dunleavy Sr. lauds Draymond Green's defensive dexterity and ability to close-out.

Ex-Lakers coach dubs Draymond Green as the greatest closeout defender of all time

Draymond Green

Former Lakers head coach and NBA player Mike Dunleavy Sr. is the father of Golden State Warriors general manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. He played in the league for over 11 years before transitioning to a coaching role. Afterward, he worked as an executive before finally bowing out of the world of basketball, though he still pops in now and then to share his invaluable insights.

Dunleavy Sr. recently made an appearance on Run It Back, with co-hots Lou Williams, Michelle Beadle and Chandler Parsons. During his time, he touched on many subjects of concern, from coaches getting fired too early to sharing Michael Jordan stories from back in the day. Here’s what he had to say about Warriors’ Draymond Green in particular and his defensive prowess that was noteworthy.

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When you look at the guy [Draymond Green], the first thing that comes to mind is ‘glue’. Stuff that Draymond does doesn’t necessarily even show in the stats…. His passing ability, his defensive ability, he might be the greatest closeout [defender] guy of all-time. He can switch pick and roll to a small or cover a guy all the way out to the corner or block shots and get things done and not get beat as good as anybody.

Mike Dunleavy Sr. said on the show

It shouldn’t surprise anyone that the former Defensive Player of the Year can shut one down. Referring to him as a “glue” player also shouldn’t come as a shock, especially since the latest NSFW audio of Green berating his new teammate, Buddy Hield, recently went viral. Green has acknowledged that, as a veteran and a team leader, different approaches are sometimes necessary to get the team on the same page.

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This year, Draymond Green also made the ultimate sacrifice by allowing his friend and teammate, Jonathan Kuminga, to play his position as a power forward. At the age of 34, Green continues to average 8.5 points per game with 5.6 assists, while grabbing 6.3 rebounds, along with 1.1 steals and 1.1 blocks.

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Mike Dunleavy Sr. says only Kobe Bryant came close to Michael Jordan’s competitiveness

During one of the segments, Mike Dunleavy Sr. was asked about Michael Jordan, with whom he had shared the court in the past. Dunleavy recounted numerous stories about Jordan from the 80s before switching focus to the late great Kobe Bryant. The ex-coach of the Lakers made it clear that nobody matches Jordan’s competitive drive, though Bryant comes close.

Michael is Michael. I mean, obviously in my mind, the best player to ever play. Other than Michael, and then maybe Kobe…as far as competitors, workers…I mean, both those guys, I don’t know how they did it, 5 AM in the morning, they’re up. I mean, they were, from a work ethic standpoint, they were the top of the list.

Mike Dunleavy Sr. commented

It’s no secret that Kobe Bryant admired Michael Jordan and modeled his style of play after the greatest to ever do it. Jordan also referred to Bryant as his little brother and lauded his inquisitive nature, always asking him for his blueprint of success.

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MJ was visibly teary-eyed when news of Kobe Bryant’s tragic death in a helicopter crash became public. Jordan spoke at Bryant’s memorial, sharing anecdotes and personal stories from their interactions. Before ending his speech, Jordan also how Bryant inspired him to be better every day and the lessons he learned from being around him, lessons he still holds close to his heart to this very day.