Draymond Green talks about recruiting pitch he gave Kevin Durant

Draymond Green’s courtship of Kevin Durant apparently began a long time ago, and the Warriors star was ecstatic when it all paid off on Monday.

Green spoke to Alex Kennedy of Sports Illustrated and discussed his reaction to Durant signing with Golden State, as well as a glimpse into what was a yearlong recruiting process.

“I mean, I was really just telling him about the fun we have together — the fun that this team has and how he would be welcome here with open arms,” Green said of his recruiting pitch. “And it’s not about ‘I’ with us on this team. It’s all about ‘we’ and winning championships. He fits that mold perfectly because that’s who he is. It doesn’t take him changing his whole game or changing his personality to come join us. He’s just going to be Kevin.”

While many are salivating at the thought of seeing the Warriors play offense, Green is particularly enthused about what Durant will bring to the defensive end of the court.

“The thing that I’m most excited about is the defensive end — the length that he adds to our defense,” Green said. “I just keep thinking of how incredible that’s going to be.”

Green was apparently just one of a number of Warriors who were giving Durant the recruiting pitch all season long. It worked, and you can’t blame Green for being thrilled about it.