Draymond Green has played alongside some of the NBA’s best defenders, but when asked to rank his top defensive teammates of all time, the Golden State Warriors forward pointed to familiar names from the franchise’s championship era.
Speaking candidly about the players who made life easiest on defense, Green named Andrew Bogut first, followed by Klay Thompson, before settling on Andre Iguodala for the final spot after briefly mentioning Kevin Durant’s impact on that end of the floor.
“Who are your top three defensive teammates of all time?” Green said on The Draymond Green Show, via HoopsHype. “Andrew Bogut number one, Klay Thompson number two.”
Green then explained why Thompson stood out among the perimeter defenders he played with during Golden State’s title years.
“Klay Thompson, ball hawk,” Green added.
For the third spot, the four-time champion initially praised Durant’s defensive work during his Warriors tenure before ultimately choosing Iguodala.
“And I’d say number three, number three, my favorite defensive teammate of all time, or not favorite, but top three. Kevin Durant was elite defensively here. Elite,” Green said. “Andre Iguodala. Andre Iguodala made the game really easy. Got to go with Andre. It has to be Andre.”
The list reflects the defensive identity that helped define Golden State’s dynasty. While the Warriors became known for pace, shooting and offensive spacing around Stephen Curry, their championship success also relied heavily on communication, versatility and rim protection.
Bogut anchored the paint during the early championship years and gave the Warriors a physical interior presence. His positioning and screening were central to Golden State’s rise, particularly during the 2014-15 title season when the team built one of the league’s most efficient defenses.
Thompson, meanwhile, often handled difficult perimeter assignments despite wider attention on his shooting. His size and discipline allowed the Warriors to switch across positions, while Green frequently operated as the defensive quarterback behind the action.
Iguodala’s inclusion also aligns with how Golden State defended during its Finals runs. The veteran wing frequently guarded elite scorers, anticipated passing lanes and helped stabilize lineups in high-pressure playoff moments.
Durant’s mention was notable because Green emphasized how impactful he was defensively during his time in the Bay Area. Although Durant is more often remembered for his scoring, length and shot-making, his help defense and rim contests gave Golden State additional flexibility in switching schemes during back-to-back championship seasons.
