Why Looney thinks a Draymond-TJD pairing can be “special” defensively originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area
Kevon Looney is impressed with the defensive pairing of Draymond Green and Trayce Jackson-Davis.
The Warriors veteran spoke to reporters after Monday’s practice and was asked by NBC Sports Bay Area’s Kerith Burke about Green and Jackson-Davis playing together.
“I think it was good,” Looney said. “I think they set a tone for us defensively. Especially rebounding, getting stops so we can run. Draymond is one of the best defenders we have ever seen in the league.
“He always plays well when he has another big with him out there. I think he showed that for us defensively… That group defensively can be something special.”
Jackson-Davis impressed as a rookie last season, and he looks poised to make another big leap this year. While the NBA season is still in its infancy, the 24-year-old looks much improved to begin his sophomore campaign. Putting him next to Green will give Golden State a menacing defense that can get rebounds and block shots with ease, something the team desperately needs.
During the glory years of the Warriors’ dynasty, the franchise had consistently strong defensive performances from Green and 2015 NBA Finals MVP Andre Iguodala.
A stout defense will be critical for the Warriors to return to the playoffs in the stacked Western Conference. And based on what Looney has seen from Jackson-Davis and Green, all the right ingredients are there for Golden State to become a defensive power once again.
