Warriors' Steve Kerr Compares Jimmy Butler-Draymond Defense to Michael Jordan-Pippen

Trading for Jimmy Butler meant the Golden State Warriors got an offensive weapon to complement Stephen Curry, but Butler's presence on defense has been equally important.

Warriors head coach Steve Kerr said Butler's pairing with Draymond Green resembles a legendary defensive duo he played with.

"Pippen and Jordan," Kerr told ESPN's Ohm Youngmisuk. "Just incredible intelligence and athleticism combined with versatility. There's definitely some of that."

Michael Jordan was a nine-time NBA All-Defensive first-team member and won Defensive Player of the Year in 1988. Pippen made the NBA's All-Defensive first team eight times and led the league in steals in 1995.

Together, Jordan and Pippen won six titles and guided some of the best teams in NBA history. It seems unlikely Butler and Green will form that kind of dynasty, but the two will at least play some stifling defense as long as they are together.

Since Butler arrived in Golden State, the Warriors have been on a tear. They've gone 16-4 since Butler's first game and have propelled up the standings, now sitting in sixth place in the Western Conference.

If the defensive duo of Butler and Green continues meshing well together, Golden State could have enough to make it out of the Western Conference this year.