In a good year, there might three exciting awards races by the time we reach April in the NBA. There are often one or two. It's a function of the 82-game season. Favorites tend to pull away from the pack by the end of the season.

Statistically, Green is in the 98th percentile in defensive estimated plus-minus (EPM is one of the most trusted catch-all metrics in NBA front offices), is averaging 5.0 defensive rebounds, 1.4 steals and 1.0 blocks in under 30 minutes per game and is having a strong impact on the team's defensive rating.