4xNBA Champion Draymond Green tags 2022-23 as Warriors’ toughest title defense yet

Draymond Green on the challenges of defending the NBA title

4xNBA Champion Draymond Green tags 2022-23 as Warriors’ toughest title defense yet

Draymond Green (Image Via NBA.com)

Draymond Green knows a thing or two about winning championships. The four-time NBA champion and four-time All-Star has been a key part of the Golden State Warriors’ dynasty that has captured four titles in the past six years. But he also knows that defending those titles is not easy, especially when the team is also developing young players.

Green joined Chris B Haynes and Marc Stein on their podcast NEW #thisleague UNCUT to talk about the challenges and the learning curve that come with being the reigning champions. He used rookie Jonathan Kaminga as an example of someone who is trying to balance his growth as a player with his role as a championship contender.

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“100 percent man the hardest tightest defense and quite frankly I think it’s warranted in several ways, you know you get into the space of mind where we are where we won four championships, and that gap between you and other guys grows,” Green said on the podcast. “And with that gap growing it’s also the experience or lack thereof and I think for us where we done this now for said 4 times, for the vast majority of our group this is the first time and learning how to defend a championship while growing.“

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He also added, “For instance, I’ll use Jonathan Kuminga as an example. Jonathan Kuminga’s defending his first championship. Jonathan Kuminga is also growing as a player, as a young man you know, learning the things you need to do to get consistent plays so there’s a learning curve that comes with that and I think you know you see enough to apply that learning curve, by no means am I saying our season is Jonathan Kamingas fault, I hope no takes that way, umm but there’s a learning curve that comes with defending the championship and we’ve experienced that.”

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Draymond Green impressed by Kuminga’s potential

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Draymond Green and Jonathan Kuminga

Draymond Green also had high praise for Kuminga’s potential and said he has been impressed by his work ethic and attitude. Kuminga, who was drafted seventh overall by the Warriors in 2022, averaged 9.3 points and 3.3 rebounds per game in his rookie season.

“I think Jonathan Kuminga has a chance to be special. I think he has all the tools. He has the size, he has the athleticism, and he has the skill. He just needs to put it all together and I think he will. He works hard, he listens, he wants to learn. He’s not afraid of anyone or anything. He’s fearless. He’s one of those guys that you want on your team because he brings energy and passion every night” Green said.

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Green also said he enjoys being a mentor to Kuminga and other young players on the team, such as Moses Moody and James Wiseman. He said he tries to share his experience and wisdom with them and help them grow as players and as people.

“I love being a leader on this team. I love helping these young guys out. I’ve been in their shoes before. I know what it’s like to be a rookie, to be a second-round pick, to be doubted, to be overlooked. I know what it takes to overcome those obstacles and become a champion. I’ll try to pass on that knowledge and that mindset to them. I try to show them how to work hard, how to play smart, how to play defense, how to win games” Green said.

Green also said he believes the Warriors have what it takes to win another championship this season. He said despite some injuries and setbacks, the team has shown resilience and determination throughout the season.

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