Draymond Green validates Victor Wembanyama’s MVP arguments on defense

After the Golden State Warriors victory over the Brooklyn Nets Wednesday night, Draymond Green delivered a passionate five-minute tirade on Victor Wembanyama‘s recent media statement regarding his MVP candidacy. The Warriors forward expressed mixed feelings about the French center’s declarations.

« I hated it… and I absolutely loved it, » Green explained in a press conference. The Golden State player particularly reacted to Wembanyama’s first argument, who had stated Monday night that « defense represents 50% of the game » to justify his MVP candidacy.

A criticism of the lack of defensive recognition

Green was particularly vehement about the fact that Wembanyama had to remind everyone of an obvious truth. « Wemby said defense represents 50% of the game, and it was like nobody knew that? Nobody realized that 50% of the game we play happens on that side of the court? » questioned the 2016-2017 Defensive Player of the Year.

« I hated that he had to do that for it to be said. Suddenly, you turn on the TV and everyone’s saying ‘actually, maybe Wemby is the MVP’, » Green continued. According to him, this situation is « an indictment on basketball itself. »

The Warriors veteran highlighted the contradiction in player evaluation: « Everyone criticizes Luka Doncic when he doesn’t defend enough. But we have a guy who defends entire teams, and nobody takes it into account until he says defense is 50% of this sport. »

Draymond Green on Victor Wembanyama vocalizing his MVP case: « I hated it…and I absolutely loved it. »

Green has been vocal in the past on DPOY: « You don’t help them see it, damnit they can’t see. »

Full passionate five-minute soundbite pic.twitter.com/xbA47T0GnK

— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) March 26, 2026

The importance of self-promotion in the trophy race

Green, known for his own self-promotion campaigns during Defensive Player of the Year races, praised Wembanyama’s initiative. « I tip my hat to him for having the will to come say ‘Here’s why I deserve it’. For not running away from the question, » he stated.

« With these awards, if you don’t speak up, people don’t see, » Green insisted, citing the example of Evan Mobley last year in the DPOY race. « If you don’t help them see all that, they don’t see anything. »

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Currently third favorite in MVP betting behind Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Luka Doncic, Wembanyama leads the NBA with 3.1 blocks per game and averages 24.2 points. The Frenchman must participate in at least seven of the Spurs‘ last ten games to be eligible for end-of-season awards, according to the new 65-game minimum rule.