"The hardest now is Joker" - Draymond Green admits Nikola Jokic is the toughest player to guard in the NBA

The NBA has seen a wide range of players who are considered as tough defensive matchups for other players. For Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green, the league's hardest player to defend is presently Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kevin Durant, with Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic second on the list.

He also gave "The Joker" his utmost respect. In addition to mentioning Luka Doncic and Stephen Curry, he recently talked about the same during an interview on Kai Cenat's live stream.

Draymond Green names KD and Nikola Jokic as the toughest players he’s faced

Being a defensive anchor helped Draymond Green establish himself in the league. He recently revealed the hardest defense he has ever faced. During Kai Cenat's live stream, Green stated:“The hardest player I had to guard in my career is KD… After that, I figured him out like, Slim can’t score on me no more. He’s going to score on everybody. But I got better and learnt more about his game. But with OKC and just coming into the league, figuring it out … Oh my god!” At the time, KD was at the height of his abilities with the Thunder, while Green had just joined the league in 2012.

Additionally, they were teammates from 2016 to 2019. He later worked out how to handle one of the greatest defenders in history. However, there's always a fresh obstacle to overcome.

Green is a little concerned about one particular person in relation to the players of this age. He disclosed that he still causes a lot of trouble for the majority of the players. He then said: “The hardest now is Joker [Nikola Jokic]. I play with Steph, so I don’t have that headache … Luka [Doncic] will always be one of the toughest, but that ain’t my matchup.

The hardest to guard right now is Joker.”Jokic's intelligence and height reportedly make it more difficult for players to guard him. He was able to score whenever he wanted and distribute the ball in mannerisms others were not capable of. In addition to congratulating Jokic for being the most difficult player to guard in the game, Green also praised teammate Stephen Curry and Los Angeles Lakers superstar Luka Doncic for being great defenders.

Draymond Vs Nikola Jokic: Comparing their prowess, wit and achievement

Over the years, the Denver Nuggets and Golden State Warriors have faced off in games that have tested their physical prowess and wit.

With defensive star Draymond Green leading a fantastic defence, the Warriors defeated the Nuggets in 2022 on their way to winning their fourth championship in eight years. Although Green and Jokic's physical altercations have grown increasingly spectacular over time, Green has consistently shown his appreciation for the three-time NBA MVP in Denver.

A four-time NBA champion, four-time NBA All-Star, two-time All-NBA Team selection, and two-time Olympic gold medallist, Green plays mostly power forward. On the other hand, three MVP awards have been awarded to Nikola Jokic- in 2020-21, 2021-22, and 2023-24. He is the first center to receive three MVP awards within a four-season span since Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. It is needless to say that both are remarkable players. Also read: "I might retire" – DeMarcus Cousins says Nikola Jokic nearly quit before signing $300 million contract