Draymond Green Declares A’ja Wilson the New GOAT in Basketball

Draymond Green, a four-time NBA champion, recently shifted the conversation surrounding the "Greatest of All Time" (GOAT) in basketball by declaring A’ja Wilson, the Las Vegas Aces superstar, as the new benchmark. Green stated, “I stand corrected… A’ja the ? before 30 and everybody else is now chasing her,” highlighting Wilson's impressive achievements, including four MVP awards, two championships, and three Defensive Player of the Year trophies. This season, she averaged 23.4 points and 10.2 rebounds, further solidifying her status in the WNBA.

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A’ja Wilson's accolades are significant, making her a formidable figure in women's basketball. Green has consistently praised her, referring to her as the “best thing since sliced bread” in the WNBA and emphasizing her role in the league's popularity. He has also supported her initiatives, such as purchasing 100 copies of her book, *Dear Black Girls: How to Be True to You*, to help young girls access literature. This commitment reflects Green's belief in Wilson's influence beyond the court.

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While Green's admiration for Wilson is evident, it raises questions about the legacy of Stephen Curry, who has long been considered a GOAT candidate. Green has previously stated that no player has been guarded like Curry, emphasizing his transformative impact on the game. Curry, now 37, continues to perform at a high level, averaging 24.5 points per game this season and holding records such as being the NBA's all-time leader in made three-pointers with 4,058.

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Curry's influence extends beyond the basketball court; he has become a prominent advocate for women's sports. His foundation supports youth basketball programs, and he has made efforts to elevate female athletes, including launching a sneaker line for women. This advocacy complements Green's praise for Wilson, as both figures are reshaping the narrative around basketball and women's sports.

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Despite the accolades for Wilson, some may argue that the GOAT conversation should remain focused on traditional NBA figures like Michael Jordan and LeBron James. Critics might contend that while Wilson's achievements are commendable, they exist within a different context than those of NBA legends. However, Green's declaration suggests a growing recognition of women's basketball's significance and its players' contributions to the sport.

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• “I stand corrected… A’ja the ? before 30 and everybody else is now chasing her ????????,” — Draymond Green, NBA Player

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• “To me, she is the American dream,” — Draymond Green, NBA Player

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• “The way the game of basketball is played is because of Steph Curry.” — Draymond Green, NBA Player

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As the conversation evolves, it is clear that A’ja Wilson's legacy is being recognized alongside Stephen Curry's, marking a significant moment in the history of basketball where greatness transcends league boundaries.

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