Draymond Green has made a career out of shutting down the league’s brightest stars. The Golden State Warriors veteran is known for his defensive IQ, versatility, and intensity, and he’s never been afraid to take on a challenge. But when asked recently about the toughest player to guard, his answer was both obvious and telling. It was a name that even fans could probably guess before he said it.
Who Did Draymond Green Name as His Toughest Matchup?
Draymond Green has spent 13 seasons going head-to-head with some of the NBA’s greatest scorers. Since being drafted in 2012, he’s defended Kobe Bryant’s footwork, LeBron James’s power, Kevin Durant’s length, and even the lightning-quick drives of Dwyane Wade and Chris Paul.
A nine-time All-Defensive player and the 2017 Defensive Player of the Year, Green built his reputation as the guy willing to take on anybody. So when he admits who gives him the most trouble today, it’s worth paying attention.
Speaking on the Kai Cenat Live podcast, Green was asked the question every fan wants to know: “Who’s the hardest player to guard?”
Green paused for a moment before clarifying, “Right now or in my career?” And then came the answer everyone expected but still wanted to hear: “The hardest now is Joker,” Green said, referring to Denver Nuggets superstar Nikola Jokić.
“I play with Steph, so I don’t have that headache. Joker… Luka will always be one of the toughest covers, but that ain’t my matchup. Of my matchups, the hardest to guard right now is Joker.”
That’s a serious compliment from someone who’s built a Hall of Fame résumé locking down the league’s best. Green has never shied away from a challenge, but he admits Jokić presents a puzzle no defender has truly solved.
Why Does Green Call Nikola Jokić the Toughest Matchup?
It’s no real surprise that Green pointed to Jokić. The three-time MVP and 2023 Finals MVP has become nearly impossible to slow down. He’s got the size to punish defenders inside, the touch to score with floaters and jumpers, and the patience to wait for exactly the right shot.
His elite passing is what separates him from everyone else, and perhaps why he gives Green the most trouble. Most bigs struggle under double-teams, but Jokić thrives in them. He sees the floor like a point guard, slipping passes to cutters or spraying the ball to open shooters when help arrives.
Even a great defender feels stuck against him. Play him one-on-one, and he scores; send help, and he creates something even easier for his teammates.
Simply put, Jokić controls the pace of every possession. Defenses react to him, not the other way around. And for a defender like Green, who prides himself on dictating terms, that’s the ultimate challenge.
The numbers back it up, too. In 21 career games against Green, Jokić has averaged 17.8 points, 9.5 rebounds, and 6.5 assists, proving that even against one of the best defenders of his generation, he still finds ways to make an impact.