Draymond Green’s Absence Showcasing His Value To Warriors

Draymond Green, Golden State Warriors, NBA News
NBA Analysis Network

The Golden State Warriors have been without NBA star Draymond Green essentially since January 5th. He suited up for one game against the Cleveland Cavaliers on January 9th to be in the starting lineup alongside Klay Thompson in his season debut but checked out after seven seconds.

With Green in the lineup, the Warriors have been back to their dominant selves. In his 34 games this season, Golden State is 28-6. He was locked in, wanting to re-stake his claim as the most versatile defender in the NBA after a strong summer with Team USA.

Green is integral to the Golden State Warriors’ success even if his numbers don’t jump off the stat sheet. He is averaging 7.9 points, 7.6 rebounds and 7.4 assists per game, adding 1.4 steals and 1.2 blocks, helping set the tone defensively.

Without him, the team loses some of their swagger. They are only 15-13 without him in the lineup, lacking some of that energy and effort that he instills in his teammates. Golden State has been especially poor recently, losing six of their last eight games.

LATEST NBA NEWS: NBA Injury News: Warriors’ Klay Thompson To Return vs Mavericks

In their most recent game, the Warriors were blown out by the Minnesota Timberwolves, 129-114. Knowing they needed something to pick them up, the team is hoping that having Draymond Green involved more will help get them back on track even if he isn’t on the court yet.

Just being a part of the practice and on the bench helping his teammates during games are something that the organization thinks will help the team.

“Green has spent most of his rehab disconnected from the team, especially on game nights. After the All-Star break, he stayed on vacation an extra couple of days while the team reconvened in Portland. Green recently returned for a practice, and players and coaches commented on the emotional lift he provided.

There has been an internal push to bring him around more often, get him on the Warriors bench instructing players, and demanding accountability. Kerr said the team felt “frayed” and the spirit was down in Minnesota. The hope, beginning in Dallas, is Green’s presence could help, bringing more of a playoff seriousness to the stretch run. But many of these exposed Warriors flaws can’t and won’t be corrected until he’s back on the court.”

LATEST NBA NEWS: NBA Injury News: Warriors’ Klay Thompson To Return vs Mavericks

The game against the Dallas Mavericks is the second on a four-game road trip that will conclude with a trip to the Los Angeles Lakers and Denver Nuggets. Chasing down the Phoenix Suns, who are 6.5 games ahead of the Golden State Warriors for first place in the Western Conference, is unlikely, but finding their form heading into the postseason is imperative.

There are certain parts of their game that can only be fixed by Draymond Green returning to the court healthy. But, the lift he will provide the team just with his presence alone cannot be understated. They will feed off of his energy and it will translate to more success on the court.

Rockets’ Alperen Sengun Makes NBA History vs. Clippers

The NBA is in good hands when it comes to the center position. There are some very talented players in the league playing in the

Ben Simmons’ Brooklyn Nets Tenure Has Been An Ugly One

There may not be a bigger what-if in the NBA currently than Ben Simmons of the Brooklyn Nets. The No. 1 pick in the 2016

New York Knicks’ Tom Thibodeau Offers Updates On Injured Stars

There hasn’t been a team hit as hard by injuries in the NBA over the last few weeks as the New York Knicks. The Knicks