Draymond Green has long been known for speaking his mind, even when it ruffles feathers across the league. One moment that stands out came after Joel Embiid’s 46-point explosion against the Warriors in March 2023. Postgame, Embiid told Green, “You know why I played like that tonight? Because you said [someone else] was the hardest guy to guard in the league. So I took that personally.” Green’s words carried weight, enough to fuel the to-be MVP to a monster scoring night. But who was Draymond really talking about?

That mystery name was Nikola Jokic. Green has often pointed to the three-time MVP as his most challenging assignment; the numbers tell the story. In Jokic’s last 10 games against the Warriors, his stats are elite: 29.2 points, 12.4 rebounds, and 7.8 assists per game. His size, court vision, and scoring versatility force even elite defenders to constantly adjust, blending skill, IQ, and unpredictability in ways few players can.

Green addressed Jokic directly on Kai Cenat’s Mafiathon 3 stream: “Of my matchups, the hardest to guard right now is Joker. And believe it or not, people want to… I’m not even going to say this one because I won’t give him this advantage on me. Joker is Joker. We’ll leave it at Joker.” This shows that Jokic doesn’t just challenge Green physically; he tests him mentally, creating a constant chess match with his elite combination of passing, spacing, and three-level scoring.

However, keen listeners also heard Green hint at a second tough matchup: “There’s just one that’s really tough… He a big man… West.” Fans immediately began speculating online, with Alperen Sengun emerging as the leading candidate. Sengun’s agility, post-up footwork, and passing skills make him a rare challenge for Green. He can attack inside and out, forcing defenders to cover multiple threats in a single possession, a scenario that even a defensive specialist like Green must respect.

Alperen Sengun’s performances against the Golden State Warriors underscore his potential as a challenging matchup for Draymond Green. In their 2025 playoff series, Sengun averaged 20.6 points, 11.6 rebounds, and 5.8 assists over five games. Notably, in Game 4, he recorded 31 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists, showcasing his ability to dominate offensively against Green’s defense. When Draymond Green was on the court during Game 4, Sengun’s efficiency dipped, scoring 10 points on 5-of-15 shooting (29% TS) in 27 minutes. However, when Green was off the court, Sengun exploded for 21 points on 8-of-12 shooting (66% TS) in just 15 minutes, highlighting his capability to exploit matchups when Green isn’t present.

These statistics illustrate that while Green is an elite defender, Sengun’s diverse skill set, reminiscent of Nikola Jokic, according to Rockets GM Rafael Stone, allows him to adapt and pose significant challenges, especially when given space to operate. The mystery surrounding Sengun adds intrigue. Green’s careful phrasing demonstrates that a player doesn’t have to be a superstar to push him; it’s about skill, versatility, and the ability to keep him off balance. Sengun embodies all these qualities, making him a logical fan pick as Green’s second toughest matchup.

Who Could Be Draymond Green’s Other Tough Matchup?

Some fans have pointed to Los Angeles Clippers center Ivica Zubac as a possible contender for Green’s toughest matchup aside from Jokic. Zubac has steadily developed into one of the league’s most reliable interior players. Standing 7 feet tall with a strong frame, Zubac can hold his ground in the post and operate effectively as a scorer and rebounder, traits make him a potential thorn for a defensive powerhouse like Green.

Ivica Zubac’s strength in pick-and-roll situations and ability to finish efficiently around the rim force defenders to stay disciplined. In the 2024-25 season, Zubac led the NBA with 300 offensive rebounds, averaging 3.8 offensive rebounds per game.

His field goal percentage of 62.8% ranked fourth in the league, reflecting his effectiveness in scoring situations. Against a defender like Green, Zubac’s combination of size, finishing ability, and clever positioning could neutralize some of Draymond’s usual advantages in anticipation and contesting shots.

Ultimately, whether it’s Sengun, Zubac, or another rising star, Green’s comments highlight a crucial point: matchups at the elite level are as much about skill and versatility as they are about reputation. Debating between Sengun and Zubac underscore how even elite defenders like Green must navigate new challenges constantly. By naming Jokic and hinting at other formidable big men, Green gives a glimpse into the mindset of one of the NBA’s most cerebral and competitive players.