Dwyane Wade says he has a better appreciation of Draymond Green now

Former Miami Heat star Dwyane Wade spoke with Stephen A. Smith about how watching the Warriors play makes him appreciate Draymond Green more.

The Warriors are taking over the NBA, and they’re finally getting the attention they deserve for their league-best 12-2 record. Steph Curry is the leading MVP candidate. Steve Kerr is taking the names of everyone that doubted them as his team racks up wins.

And Draymond Green deserves his own flowers for his defensive and offensive play, according to NBA legend Dwyane Wade.

“I’ve gotten a better appreciation for Draymond Green since I’ve retired and really watched this guy,” Wade said on ESPN’s First Take. “I mean, he’s a point guard. Like, he is one of the best playmakers in the game.”

Dwyane Wade on Draymond Green: “One of the best playmakers in the game”

While Curry has rightfully drawn a great deal of attention, Wade is right to credit Green for how well the Warriors are doing not only on offense but on defense as well.

The versatile power forward, who has primarily played center in the Warriors’ “Death Squad” lineup, is also a natural 3-point shooter. Not even Kevin Durant‘s seven-foot wingspan could block Green’s shot in the Warriors-Nets game.

While having a Hall of Fame point guard like Curry is critical, so is having someone who can create great plays on both sides of the ball.

Still, Green remains relatively underrated on a team with such immense talent. Green was also critical in bringing home the gold for Team USA basketball in Tokyo this summer, both as a veteran leader and unparalleled game manager.

“The excitement that they’re bringing… it’s just a place you want to be; it’s basketball you want to watch,” Green said.

As a three-time NBA champion, Wade certainly has a feel for championship energy — so if describes Green and Curry as playing “basketball you want to watch,” it’s likely fans will be watching it well into June.