Draymond Green knows a thing or two about defense.
The 2017 Defensive Player of the Year has been named to an NBA All-Defensive team each of the past five seasons, and universally is regarded as one of the best defenders in the league.
D'Angelo Russell is one of the most exciting offensive players in the NBA, but his defensive ability in the past has been suspect at best.
Russell told reporters Thursday that he has been relying on Green to help him improve on the defensive end in his first season with the Warriors.
"I told him [Draymond] from the jump as much as you can be on me and coach me through that and hold me accountable on the defensive end, I need that."
D'Lo on Draymond helping him improve his defense 💯 pic.twitter.com/l1Peeik6gz— 95.7 The Game (@957thegame) October 24, 2019
Sports
"I told him from the jump as much as you can be on me and coach me through that and hold me accountable on the defensive end, I need that," Russell said after Thursday's shootaround ahead of the season opener at Chase Center.
[RELATED: Report: Dubs estimated annual Chase Center revenue $700M]
Green likely will be doing a lot of teaching throughout the season, as the Warriors' roster is littered with numerous young players with little NBA experience.
Golden State will need some of its youth to step up and compete on both ends, as the Warriors enter the season not being the NBA's prohibitive favorites for the first time in five years.
Related content from TMZ Sports
AB retaking condo-trashing deposition during Week 12
Former Dodger Paul Lo Duca sued by MLB umpire
Vallejo native CC Sabathia posts emotional retirement letter
