Caleb Grill’s NBA Prospects and Draymond Green’s Defensive Milestone Highlight Basketball Headlines
While the Golden State Warriors reflect on a tough postseason exit, attention in the basketball world continues to shine on individual accomplishments and rising talent. Two names sparking conversation this week are veteran defensive force Draymond Green and young hopeful Caleb Grill, both representing vastly different stages in their careers.
The Warriors’ playoff run came to an end in the second round against the surging Minnesota Timberwolves, but it wasn’t without standout efforts from their core. Stephen Curry earned a top-10 finish in the 2024-25 NBA MVP voting for the tenth time—a testament to his enduring excellence. Meanwhile, Draymond Green continues to make his mark on the defensive end. On Thursday, the NBA announced that Green was named to the 2024-25 All-Defensive First Team, joining Evan Mobley, Dyson Daniels, Lu Dort, and Amen Thompson.
This marks the ninth time Green has earned All-Defensive Team honors, placing him among an elite group of just 13 players in NBA history to achieve such a feat. Green, the 2016-17 Defensive Player of the Year, averaged 9.0 points, 6.1 rebounds, 5.6 assists, 1.5 steals, and 1.0 blocks over 68 games this season. The Warriors praised Green’s leadership and defensive tenacity in an official statement, celebrating his impact on and off the court.
On the other end of the spectrum is Caleb Grill, a former collegiate standout looking to break into the NBA. After playing for programs like Iowa State and Missouri, Grill went undrafted but remains a gritty, sharpshooting guard with potential as a 3-and-D role player. His hustle, perimeter defense, and ability to stretch the floor make him an intriguing prospect for NBA teams in search of energy and depth.
Though Grill’s path to the league is uncertain, the NBA has seen many undrafted players carve out meaningful roles through Summer League stints, G League performance, and two-way contracts. If Grill can showcase consistent shooting and defensive toughness, there’s a path for him to earn a roster spot—especially as teams value spacing and intensity from their bench units.
As Draymond Green continues to etch his legacy into the history books, young players like Caleb Grill are chasing their dreams, proving that the NBA remains a place where dedication and grit can open doors, no matter where the journey starts.