The Valley of the Suns team has come together to give their predictions on the 2016-17 NBA season awards.<..."/> The Valley of the Suns team has come together to give their predictions on the 2016-17 NBA season awards.<..."/>
Valley of the Suns
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Valley of the Suns Season Awards

By Lucas McLean

Mar 3, 2017; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) reacts in the second quarter against the Phoenix Suns at Talking Stick Resort Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 3, 2017; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) reacts in the second quarter against the Phoenix Suns at Talking Stick Resort Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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2nd Place

Draymond Green (52)

Minutes Points Rebounds Assists Steals Blocks FG% TS%
32.5 10.2 7.9 7 2 1.4 41.8% 52.2%

Green has taken a step back offensively but in the process has elevated his defensive abilities to a whole new level. His offensive woes are masked by the other three All-Stars (two of which are MVP’s) on his team. Green is a unique breed of basketball player who can guard every position at the most elite level. His versatility in being able to play the center position easily puts him in the discussion as a top 15-20 player in the league. When the “Death lineup” of Curry-Thompson-Igoudala-Durant-Green hit the floor there is quite simply no answer.

Green is the equivalent of a 6′ 7″ Marc Gasol-type player with more athleticism, more speed, and more versatility. He is truly one of a kind. He is the type of player organizations change all their future plans just in attempt to mimic his success. Arguably, his game has been influential in the league changing the game. The league was already going smaller but Draymond kick-started that movement into an extreme gear. Now every team out on the hunt to find the mini Draymond.

Defensive ranks:

  • 1st in defensive box plus/minus
  • 1st in defensive field goal percentage at the rim
  • 2nd in defensive rating
  • 2nd in defensive win shares
  • 2nd in steals
  • 2nd in deflections

Based on the advanced stats, the team success, and pure dominance of his defensive game one would think Green to be the front runner. But unfortunately for Green there is one player that has been playing just as well for much longer, making it near impossible to dethrone.

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