Recently, Warriors star Green was interviewed by TA reporter Sam Amick.
Amick: How do you view the value of defensive players in today's game? Does this perception truly reflect their actual value?
Dream Chase: I can't just sit here and say, "Hey, defensive players are ignored." In fact, most players are getting their dues. You look at Portland's Kamara, he just signed a four-year, $82 million contract. The Eagles' Dyson Daniels signed a four-year, $100 million contract. Yes, the same contract as mine (Green signed a four-year, $100 million extension in the summer of 2023). The Nuggets' Braun signed a five-year, $125 million contract, but he is considered a player who can play both offense and defense. However, those who know him know that he is a very good defender.
Houston's Jabari Smith Jr. signed a five-year, $122 million contract. Oklahoma City's Holmgren, obviously, isn't a superstar yet, but we all expect him to be. This is a little different. I think when you look at Jabari Jr., his defense has been criticized at times, but this contract is totally deserved. But when I look at the whole situation, the players who are getting contracts are on teams that prioritize winning. I think these players are being treated pretty well. But when you look at the percentage of players who are actually highly paid, the percentage of defensive players is very low. Elite-level defensive players are paid well, while those who are very good but not yet at the elite level are not compensated accordingly. On the offensive end, it's a different story. If you can score, you can get paid well. It's easier to get paid more as a three-point specialist than as a defensive specialist.
So, who will be left out in the end? It's a defensive player. But whenever any team gets into that territory where we say, "Oh, this team might have a chance (to win a championship)," the first thing you look for is defensive players.
However, for those teams that are not in this area, which is probably about 20 teams, they do not regard defense as a priority. This has significantly narrowed the market for defensive players, with only a third of teams now considering them. Okay, but those five teams have no cap space, so eliminate five more teams. That leaves only four or five teams that might be willing to pay the salary. Add in all the restrictions and constraints of the collective bargaining agreement, and those four or five teams are reduced to one or two. This is what happens when defenders are squeezed. So, obviously, that's the situation for defensive players in this league.
Mini-game recommendations:LA Shark