Draymond Green is regarded as one of the best defenders in the NBA’s modern era.

His ability to guard all five positions and function as the defensive fulcrum has allowed the Golden State Warriors to win four championships during his tenure.

Basketball and soccer don’t mix too often, but that’s what happened when Memphis’ interim head coach Tuomas Iisalo wanted to complement Draymond’s defensive prowess.

He compared the Warriors man to one of soccer’s greatest legends, the Italian defender Paolo Maldini.

“We’re talking about one of the highest basketball IQ defenders in the history of the game,” Iisalo said. “His ability to put out fires, so to speak, is incredible. His court-mapping is so high level, he can see issues developing like way earlier than most players.

“A lot of times, by moving into the right position, he can prevent those from even happening. I know we’re on the wrong continent, but there used to be a great central defender for the Italian National Team in soccer called Paolo Maldini.”

Paolo Maldini of Italy raises his hands in victory as he walks off the field after a World Cup soccer match between Italy and Bulgaria at Continental Airlines Arena in East Rutherford, N.J.

Credit: Klaus-Peter Steitz/NorthJersey.com / USA TODAY NETWORK

This is a compliment of the highest order, considering all that Paolo Maldini achieved. He was a seven-time champion in the Italian Serie A with AC Milan, helping add five Champions League trophies to the cabinet during his career as well.

He was huge for the Italian National Team too, taking them to the FIFA World Cup Final in 1994.

Draymond Green has a similar resume in the NBA, he has proven to be a serial winner during his time with the Warriors. And if he adds another Defensive Player Of The Year award to his collection this season, his legacy will be solidified even further.