Fansided

Andrew Bogut taught Draymond Green how to play NBA-level defense

By Mackenzie Ingram

CLEVELAND, OH - May 31: Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors plays defense against Tristan Thompson #13 of the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game One of the 2018 NBA Finals on May 31, 2018 at ORACLE Arena in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH - May 31: Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors plays defense against Tristan Thompson #13 of the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game One of the 2018 NBA Finals on May 31, 2018 at ORACLE Arena in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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In a recent interview following Game 2 of the NBA finals, Golden State Warriors star, Draymond Green, credited a surprising source for his achievements thus far.

“Andrew Bogut….he showed me how to guard the post,” said Green.

In the video below, Green can be seen discussing Bogut’s impact with rookie sensation Donovan Mitchell, as part of an interview that aired on ABC/ESPN.

Though Green jokingly started the rant by assuring viewers Bogut may not have had the biggest impact on his day-to-day life, the positive effect the Aussie had on the former all-star is undeniable.

“From the first day in Golden State he was teaching me different things you couldn’t do in college,” explained Green.

Furthering his praise for his former teammate, Draymond claimed that the various positioning techniques he was shown by Bogut during their first season together has been one of the main catalysts for his elite defensive abilities.

At first glance, some may seem surprised at Green’s remarks considering he has played alongside superstars such as Stephen Curry, Klay Thomson, and Kevin Durant, while Bogut himself never made an All-Star appearance or earned All-Defensive First Team honors in his career. However, the former No. 1 overall pick was an exceptional interior defender,

“I wouldn’t be half the defender I am without Andrew Bogut…I owe all my success to him,” said Green.

Currently, Bogut is currently playing overseas in his home nation of Australia. Although he hasn’t officially retired, he was unable to land an NBA roster spot after being released by the Lakers earlier this season, his 13th in the NBA.

Green, on the other hand, has been one of the focal points of the Warriors success over the past few seasons and has unquestionably been the teams’ backbone defensively since Bogut’s departure.

Green has played in three consecutive All-Star games, has been featured on three All-Defensive First Teams, and was given the Defensive Player of the Year Award for the 2016-17 campaign.

Next: Every NBA team's greatest playoff moment

Though he may be forgotten by Warriors fans now, the impression Andrew Bogut left on Draymond Green has been significant.

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