Veteran NBA Defenders Adapt to the Evolving Game

Draymond Green, a seasoned veteran of the NBA, has long been celebrated for his tenacity and defensive prowess. Having garnered accolades throughout his career, from his time at Saginaw High to Michigan State, and notably with the Golden State Warriors, Green attributes his success to what he calls ‘grit’. This intangible quality, coupled with his natural strength, has historically enabled him to hold his ground against even the most formidable opponents.

As he entered his 30s, Green noticed the accumulating toll that years of grueling defensive battles had taken on his body. Consequently, he adopted a new approach by incorporating weightlifting into his routine. Despite initially questioning the necessity given his natural strength, Green acknowledges that «your body needs it. Your body needs to get stronger as the season goes on.» This physical regimen has catalyzed another campaign for the Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY) award, a title he first earned in 2017.

Defense in professional basketball is a demanding role, often lacking the glory that comes with high-scoring performances. It requires not just physicality but also agility, endurance, and an unparalleled basketball IQ. «Yeah, it’s taxing,» admits Oklahoma City guard Lu Dort, known for his defensive skills. «But that comes with the job. It’s taxing for the guys trying to score just as much as it is for guys trying to stop the people from scoring.»

This shift towards maintaining physical fitness is a trend among veteran players determined to keep pace with the league’s evolving dynamics, where shooting and skill dominate the court. Acknowledging this, Boston’s Marcus Smart, another defensive stalwart, explains that just as offensive prowess requires training, so does defense. «Maybe not in the weight room, but doing defensive slides, wall sits, things that help with your legs, help with your base,» he says about his lifelong preparation.

As the current season progresses, Green leads the Warriors’ defensive efforts. Their statistics reflect his impact, with the team allowing just 41.9 percent shooting and a commendable defensive efficiency. Green’s role is pivotal; he serves as a power forward and a closing center, often assuming the challenge of guarding the opposition’s hottest player.

Historically, older players have successfully maintained high defensive standards, from Tony Allen to Jason Kidd. Nowadays, defenders like Jrue Holiday and Alex Caruso, supported by their strategic play and physical conditioning, stand against the league’s new offensive threats.

Green, embracing both his strengths and evolved training methods, now aims for another historic accolade, standing as a testament to the enduring value of defense in basketball’s modern era.