In a debate that has caught the attention of NBA fans and analysts alike, the question of Draymond Green’s place among the greatest defenders of the past 25 years has come under scrutiny. While some have placed him in the conversation as one of the best, former NBA players and current analysts, including Kenyon Martin, have voiced strong opinions about Green’s value as a defender, with some even questioning whether Green’s success has been more a product of his surrounding talent than his individual ability.

Green, a pivotal figure in the Golden State Warriors’ four NBA championships in recent years, has long been heralded for his defensive prowess, leadership, and versatility. His role in the Warriors’ success has often been undervalued in the shadow of the team’s bigger stars like Steph Curry and Klay Thompson. Yet, there are still those who feel his reputation is inflated, and that he doesn’t belong in the same conversation as the greatest power forwards and defenders in NBA history.

The conversation gained traction after Green found himself in a public back-and-forth with Martin, a former NBA player known for his physical style of play and leadership qualities. Martin, who had a successful career with teams like the New Jersey Nets, took exception to Green being hailed as one of the five best defensive players of the last quarter-century. Martin was quick to argue that while Green is undeniably a strong defender, there were others in his generation who were more deserving of that recognition.

Martin’s argument is not just rooted in a personal vendetta against Green, but in his belief that Green’s defensive skills have been somewhat overstated. In particular, he took issue with the idea that Green’s reputation as one of the best defenders in recent NBA history is not entirely his own achievement but rather a product of playing in one of the most potent offensive systems in league history. The Warriors’ offense, featuring two of the greatest shooters in NBA history in Curry and Thompson, has often allowed Green to excel defensively, as teams are forced to adjust to the Warriors’ high-powered attack.

For Martin, this context makes Green’s defensive numbers less impressive. “If you put Draymond on any other team, how good is he really?” Martin asked. He pointed out that Green’s role as a defensive anchor for the Warriors is heavily supported by the team’s offensive firepower, making it easier for him to thrive in his role. Martin compared this to his own career, where he played for a team (the Nets) that didn’t have the same level of offensive talent. His teams, Martin argues, had to rely more on defensive grit and individual defensive matchups, which is why he feels his own efforts were undervalued compared to Green’s.

The discussion hit a high point when Paul Pierce, another NBA legend, joined in on the debate. Pierce, known for his sharp basketball IQ and ability to lead his teams to success, weighed in on the comparison between Green and Martin. According to Pierce, while Green is undoubtedly a strong defender, he argued that Martin’s impact on the court, particularly in his prime, was arguably superior to Green’s. “If you cut the volume down and just watch the film, you’d think Kenyon Martin was the better player,” Pierce said. “He was a better defender on wings, and he had the athleticism and strength to guard some of the toughest matchups in the league.”

Pierce’s argument is rooted in the belief that Green’s defense is more situational, tied to the Warriors’ system, while Martin’s defense was more versatile and adaptable to different situations. Martin, who was a defensive standout on a Nets team that reached the NBA Finals in 2002 and 2003, was tasked with guarding multiple positions and was often tasked with neutralizing the league’s best scorers. Green, by comparison, is known for his ability to switch on pick-and-rolls, guard multiple positions, and provide elite rim protection, but Martin contends that he would have been just as effective—if not more so—if he had played for a team as offensively potent as the Warriors.

The core of the debate seems to come down to what one values more in a defender: versatility and ability to guard multiple positions or the impact a player can have within a specific system. Green’s defenders point to his accolades, including being a three-time NBA All-Defensive Team member and the 2017 NBA Defensive Player of the Year, as proof of his place in NBA defensive history. However, Martin, Pierce, and others argue that the lack of consistency in Green’s individual defensive matchups makes him less of a defensive icon compared to other players like Kevin Garnett, Tim Duncan, or even Dwight Howard, who have a more demonstrable impact across the board.

The debate is further complicated by the changing role of defense in today’s NBA. With the league’s increasing emphasis on pace and space, perimeter shooting, and three-point shooting, defenders like Green are now valued for their ability to guard on the perimeter and defend without the benefit of post-play. While Martin thrived in a more traditional defensive role, Green has adapted to the modern NBA’s demands, becoming a key component of the Warriors’ defense despite not being a traditional shot-blocking center. This change in the nature of defense in the league makes it hard to directly compare players from different eras.

Despite the ongoing debate about Green’s defensive prowess, what’s clear is that his leadership and mental toughness are integral to the Warriors’ success. His vocal presence on the floor, his ability to hold teammates accountable, and his fearless approach to defense are qualities that have allowed him to thrive alongside one of the greatest offensive duos in NBA history. Green’s unique combination of skills, leadership, and defense has been critical in the Warriors’ four championships over the past decade, and there’s no denying the impact he has had on the team’s identity.

However, as the debate continues, it’s important to recognize that every player has a unique role in the history of the game. While some may argue about who is the better defender or who has made the greater individual impact, the legacy of players like Green and Martin will ultimately be defined by their overall contributions to their teams, both on and off the court. Whether you agree with Green’s place among the best defensive players of the last 25 years or not, his role in the Warriors’ success cannot be understated. Similarly, Martin’s defensive prowess and his contributions to the Nets’ success during his career should not be forgotten, either.

In the end, it’s not about who’s better—Green or Martin—but about how each player has shaped the game in their own way. Both have had incredible careers, both have been defensive stalwarts in their own right, and both will forever be remembered for their respective contributions to the NBA. The debate over who is the better defender may continue, but the legacies of both players remain secure.