Power Forward: Taj Gibson vs. Draymond Green
Draymond Green does so much for the Golden State Warriors. He is their defensive stopper, as evidenced by his Defensive Player of the Year award last season. He is also their tough guy, making sure no one gets in the face of the face of the franchise in Steph Curry. Green can also be their emotional leader, making a big block that leads to him screaming, which gets the rest of the team pumped. Some might even say he is the most important piece for the Warriors.
Taj Gibson, on the other hand, seems to be Minnesota’s weakest starter. In a lineup filled with players the likes of Jimmy Butler, Karl Anthony Towns, and Andrew Wiggins, scoring doesn’t need to be at a premium for Gibson. Unfortunately, he is not a power forward who can switch onto guards on defense like Green does. Whenever he gets caught player defense on a point guard, it often ends with them driving right by Gibson and a tough contest for KAT at the rim.
This situation is slightly comparable to the situation surrounding Butler and Klay Thompson. While Green has been with this elite team for many years and gotten to know how his teammates do things, Gibson is trying to be a teacher. While I’m not saying Gibson is at the same level as Butler, he is still learning how to play with his new Wolves Teammates.
Just like Kevin Durant vs. Andrew Wiggins, I don’t think there is much debate here.
Advantage: Draymond Green