Golden State Warriors star Draymond Green and Toronto Raptors standout Kawhi Leonard have established themselves as two of the NBA's premier defenders, combining for a trio of Defensive Player of the Year Awards.

Through the first two weeks of the season, Green and Leonard look like they'll be in the race for DPOY honors. The former is looking to win the award for the second consecutive year, while Leonard will try to pick it up for the third him in his illustrious career.

Green believes that when it comes to the best defensive players in basketball, there's only one guy on the same level as him. Speaking to Vincent Goodwill of Yahoo Sports, Green explained why that man is Kawhi Leonard.

"I got much respect for him," Green said about Leonard. "But I think I’m the best. If you want my honest opinion, there’s no one in the [contemporary] category with me but Kawhi."

It's no coincidence that the Warriors and Raptors are once again sitting atop of the league standings, and it's going to be a fun race between Green, Leonard and the others for the DPOY Award.

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Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

As Goodwill noted, the award is that much more important for Green. If he can win it, the 28-year-old will be eligible for a five-year super max contract $226 million from the Warriors.

Leonard is expected to opt out of his contract after this season, but the Raptors will likely offer him the five-year super max for $190 million. Whether or not Leonard wins the Defensive Player of the Year Award, he stands to get the five-year deal from Toronto, or a four-year contract from another team in free agency.

Both Green and Leonard are NBA champions, annual All-Stars and Defensive Player of the Year Award winners. There are a lot of similarities between the two, and it shouldn't shock anyone if they clash in the NBA Finals come June.

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