whatisacenter wrote:vvoland wrote:whatisacenter wrote:
Yep, seven days a week.
Draymonds days of leading a championship level defense are in the past. Everything he gives you on defense at this point in his career, he gives back with his turnovers and lack of offense.
If the past is the season that just ended, I agree.
He was 3rd in DPOY (I think he was better than both players that finished above him), 1st team all-defense, and had the dubs as a top 2 defense post butler trade. He was even better on that end in the Hou series.
I understand not wanting to watch him, hating his personality, and wanting to turn the page. Those all make sense. The revisionist history and downplaying his impact does not.
He wasn't even in the running for DPOY until he started promoting himself for the award.He was not DPOY material against the Wolves.
Dray was amazing years ago but that ship has sailed...next season he will be a year older and a year worse.
I disagree. He was off to a great start on that end but faded mid season, much like most of the team. Immediately after the Jimmy trade, he was the best defender in the league (not just my words) but it's a full season award. That's the phrase I heard from most voters that had podcasts (windhorts & co., lowe, simmons, russilo, athletic, etc.). He won't be as good as prime draymond but that's mostly in transition and on offense. His defense is still good enough to anchor a top unit.
I agree he did not look great against the wolves. If it wasn't a 40 game sprint to finish the season I think he would have looked better. I'm not his therapist but I would also guess he kind of gave up once the injuries piled up and it looked like we had no chance. Also, a lot easier to play offense when you're randle and can not only rest on defense, but also have no pressure on your offensive game since you know your opponent can't score.
I'm carrying a lot of water for dray, I'll admit that. His shot leaves him for long stretches, he makes insane decisions with the ball, and he just can't finish near the rim anymore. I don't expect that to change. He is still a hell of a passer, his synergy with Steph is obvious, and there isn't a single player I would pick to build a defense around over the next two years (probably wemby, tbh). Even at Dray's advanced age.
