There is no question that 4x All-Star Draymond Green is a high-impact player. But just how important is he to a Warriors team with Steph Curry, Klay Thompson, and Andrew Wiggins?
According to Curry himself, Green is essential to what they do and it’s unlikely they get very far without him.
(via ESPN)
“We’re all built in terms of trust and chemistry, and to have a guy like [Green] who is very vocal, high IQ, has a certain approach to leadership, all that stuff matters,” the Warriors star said. “Understand that, especially without Draymond for this extended stretch, our offense is a little different…There is a lot more responsibility in terms of playmaking, being on the ball and handling that attention. You lean on the other pieces to keep the boat afloat, but we’re not going to be anything great with how we’re built,” Curry said. “[Green] is obviously a big part of that.”
Green, 32, has been with the Warriors since the beginning. For the past 9 years, he has been a core member of the team, providing elite defense and playmaking. Today, his resume includes 4 All-Star appearances, 6 All-Defensive selections, 2 All-NBA selections, a Defensive Player of the Year award, and 3 NBA Championships.
“Draymond is the most important key to this team. Why? Because they built a system around him,” said former Warriors big man Festus Ezeli. “They built a system around the 3 guys which is Draymond, Steph and Klay. He might not be the best player on the team, but he’s the most important. This year, they’re deciding that small-ball is the way we’re gonna go… for that to be effective, we need our Defensive Player of the Year in the back to anchor us. That’s why they went out to this huge lead to start the season, they’re 2nd in the NBA still, even with going 14-11 in the last games.
When you miss a guy like Draymond, who calls out all the coverages, who sets great screens for Steph and Klay to get open, who is the leader and the heart of the team…of course you’re going to miss Draymond.”
Draymond Green suffered a back injury last month that has kept him out for a few weeks now. Fortunately, he is expected to return before the playoffs begin in April.
But with the team riding a three-game losing streak, it’s fair to say they need him back as soon as possible. The Warriors could lose some major ground in the standings if they keep losing games at their current rate.
