Draymond Green reveals his biggest NBA challenge: Jokic and a mystery igniting the league
Green emphasized, “Of my matchups, the hardest to guard right now is Joker… Joker is Joker.” But the revelation doesn’t stop there.
Between the lines, he hinted at a second player equally difficult to defend, sparking immediate speculation among fans.
Attention quickly turned to Alperen Sengun, whose combination of agility, footwork, and offensive creation presents an unusual challenge for Draymond Green.
Draymond Green hints at Alperen Sengun and Nikola Jokic being the only big men in the world that has an edge over him 😳#LiftOff pic.twitter.com/0O9COuABbl
— KNAWTNINE (@knawtnine) September 10, 2025
The strategy of an elite defender
Sengun’s case illustrates how even top-tier defenders must constantly adapt. In the 2025 playoff series, Sengun averaged 20.6 points, 11.6 rebounds, and 5.8 assists per game against the Warriors.
Interestingly, when Green was on the court, Sengun’s shooting efficiency dropped to 29%, but it soared to 66% when Draymond was off the floor, showing how each matchup shifts the game’s dynamics.
Green also pointed out other potential challengers, like Ivica Zubac, the Clippers’ center. Standing 2.13 meters tall with a dominant physical game, Zubac combines rebounding, efficient scoring near the rim, and pick-and-roll presence, forcing defenders like Green to maintain discipline and maximum focus.
Beyond the names: skill and versatility
Draymond Green comments reveal more than simple statistics, they show how elite matchups depend on skill, versatility, and adaptability.
It doesn’t matter if the opponent is an MVP like Jokic or an emerging talent like Sengun; even a cerebral, experienced defender must adjust strategy on every possession.
Draymond Green confession offers a unique glimpse into his competitive mindset and how he evaluates opponents, reminding fans that in the NBA, the game is as mental as it is physical, and true challenges often come from unexpected places.