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Draymond 'wholeheartedly' believes he's the best defender of all time

Andrew D. Bernstein / National Basketball Association / Getty

Draymond Green is never short on confidence, so it should come as no surprise to hear that the Golden State Warriors forward feels he's the greatest defender the NBA has ever seen.

"The best ever defender? Me," Green said following Golden State's 114-111 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers on Thursday in Game 2 of the Western Conference finals, according to The Athletic's Marcus Thompson.

"That's what I believe. Wholeheartedly."

Green registered five of the Warriors' nine rejections in 33 minutes of action against Portland and finished just shy of a triple-double with 16 points, 10 rebounds, and seven assists.

The versatile 6-foot-7 bruiser took home Defensive Player of the Year honors in 2017 and was a runner-up the two previous campaigns. Green is a three-time member of the All-Defensive first team and earned a spot on the All-Defensive second team last season.

"He's probably the smartest player on the court every time he steps out there," Warriors center Kevon Looney said of Green. "And he plays harder than everybody. He's always a play ahead and he talks everybody through every play. And he's got that intimidation factor, too."

The three-time All-Star ranks second in total rejections this postseason with 24. Golden State is allowing 5.9 fewer points per 100 possessions when Green is on the floor across 14 appearances.

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