The Golden State Warriors rank among the NBA’s best defensive teams this season.
The Golden State Warriors currently sit third in defensive rating at 111.3, trailing only reigning champion Oklahoma City Thunder and the Houston Rockets.
Their most recent performance limited the Cleveland Cavaliers, who led the league in offensive rating last season, to just 94 points.
Many observers credit Draymond Green as the primary defensive catalyst, which contains truth.
Green remains one of the league’s elite defenders, capable of guarding multiple positions including players with Victor Wembanyama’s size.
What moves do the Golden State Warriors need to make to win the NBA title?
One player’s metrics surpass Draymond Green despite veteran’s reputation
However, defensive rating data reveals that Quinten Post, not Green, leads the Warriors’ roster in defensive efficiency.
Post posts a 102.5 defensive rating compared to Green’s 105.7, while also contesting shots marginally better.
🛡️ Warriors Player Defensive Ratings
| Player | MIN | DEF RTG |
|---|---|---|
| Quinten Post | 17.1 | 102.5 |
| Moses Moody | 25.1 | 104.1 |
| Draymond Green | 28.1 | 105.7 |
| Brandin Podziemski | 27.7 | 107.7 |
| Pat Spencer | 15.1 | 108.4 |
| Jimmy Butler | 30.8 | 108.5 |
| Gary Payton II | 12.7 | 110.1 |
| Will Richard | 18.9 | 112.8 |
| Jonathan Kuminga | 25.6 | 114.0 |
| Al Horford | 21.5 | 114.5 |
| Stephen Curry | 31.0 | 114.6 |
| Trayce Jackson-Davis | 12.0 | 115.3 |
| Buddy Hield | 18.7 | 116.3 |
Both players contest over 10 shots per game, with Post forcing opponents to shoot 41.4% against him compared to Green’s 41.8%. The difference appears small but demonstrates Post’s effectiveness in his limited opportunities.
Against the Cavaliers, for example, Post limited Evan Mobley to four successful shots from 12 attempts.
The performance carries significance considering Mobley maintains 50% field goal percentage this season, suggesting Post’s defensive impact against elite players.
Quinten Post should start more often given Al Horford’s struggles
Post’s defensive capabilities should prompt Steve Kerr to increase his playing time and starting opportunities.
This season, Post has started just 10 of the Warriors’ 24 games while averaging only 17.1 minutes per contest.
His offensive production has declined from 8.1 to 6.9 points per game, with three-point shooting dropping from 40.8% to 33.3% compared to last season.
Jonathan Kuminga’s situation with the Warriors
Jonathan Kuminga seems likely to be traded once January 15th arrives.
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However, offensive efficiency shouldn’t dictate playing time when defensive value remains paramount.
Al Horford’s addition has disappointed expectations, leaving the Warriors undersized against certain matchups.
Rather than forcing small-ball lineups in unfavorable situations, Kerr should deploy Post more frequently to address size deficiencies.
The Warriors struggle offensively this season, making defensive stability essential for remaining competitive.
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