Draymond Green went from starting 12 games in the 2013-14 season to becoming one of the most important players on the Warriors last year, transitioning to the starting power forward for the NBA champions and signing a five-year $82 million contract in the offseason.
No, he didn't use huge size or an abundant amount of athleticism to raise his game. Instead, the 6-foot-7 bruiser is best known for his gritty play and toughness and it showed all season long.
NBA GMs agree too, but maybe not fully to Green's liking. On Tuesday, NBA.com's annual GM survey was released and Green was named the league's second toughest player, right behind Tony Allen of the Memphis Grizzlies.
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Allen received 20.7 percent of votes, while 17.2 percent of voters put their hat in Green's corner. Warriors center Andrew Bogut also received votes for his tough play as well.
The Warriors eliminated the Grizzlies in the Western Conference semifinals last season.
Also, despite being named to the NBA All-Defensive First Team, GMs placed four others ahead of him when asked who the best defensive player in the league is. Green only had 6.9 percent of voters back him for the category.
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Ahead of him, was Kawhi Leonard (27.6 percent), Anthony Davis (17.2 percent), LeBron James (13.8 percent) and Allen (10.3 percent). James wasn't named to the first or second team, while Davis was voted to the second team of the All-Defensive Team last season.
Green also finished right behind teammate Andre Iguodala as the NBA's best role player. The versatile forward averaged 11.7 points, 8.2 rebounds and 3.7 assists per game last season, all which were career highs.