The Golden State Warriors entered the season full of hope and promise, but because of injuries, inconsistent play and rotation issues, they have found themselves in a familiar position they never wanted to be in – staring down yet another play-in tournament berth.
In recent years, this has become the Warriors’ new normal: caught in limbo – good enough to be in the play-in but not strong enough to secure a direct playoff spot. It’s the same playoff cycle that franchise legend Draymond Green has grown frustrated with.
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But the 35-year-old forward will not just roll over and resign to their hopeless fates.
His commitment to the Warriors will never change, no matter what their circumstances are. As adversity continues to mount, he is determined to help restore the franchise’s lost glory and respect.
“To do that on a nightly basis, it’s tough,” he said in a four-minute speech via Danny Emerman. “Try doing that with no respect for you and that battle just gets steeper uphill. So, I pride myself on respect. But you don’t gain respect in the great times. That’s just never how it’s been.”
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Being a role model
Head coach Steve Kerr has steered the Warriors to the 10th-best record in the Western Conference at 35-38. They will return to the play-in for the third straight season.
They have been without their franchise GOAT, Stephen Curry, and superstar Jimmy Butler since January, who are nursing a knee injury and a torn ACL, respectively. The team has been relying on its young core of Brandin Podziemski, Gui Santos, Moses Moody and De’Anthony Melton.
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However, with their main stars sidelined with injuries, the Warriors also do not have a clear leader. That’s where Green has stepped in.
Although he is not producing number-wise like he used to, with 8.5 points on 41.6 percent shooting from the field, 5.6 rebounds and 5.3 assists, he is making up for it in other aspects, with his playmaking, defense and overall veteran leadership.
Green was instrumental during the Warriors’ dynastic years, helping the team win four championships and appear in multiple Finals. The young guys, who are still building their careers, need that experience and authority now more than ever.
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Now is his chance to serve as a great leader and role model – and he is taking it.
“I can’t throw the towel in on these guys. Who do they turn to then?” Green said. “I try to just be a steady force. That looks different every night, but try to be a steady force where they can turn and know someone’s in the foxhole with them that’s been there.”
Honoring his commitment
The Warriors have lost 11 of their 14 games. Curry is eyeing a return in the play-in tournament, but it remains uncertain. Butler is expected to suit up next season.
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To make matters worse, they will play without Moody for the rest of the season after he tore his patellar tendon in the left knee.
Things are bleak in the Bay Area, but Green and the Warriors will power through it.
“We all can show up and smile when times are great, but I made a commitment to this organization long ago. When I signed on the dotted line, it didn’t say all good times lie here. Everything that comes with that you have to embrace,” he declared.
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Green was there when their four championship banners were hoisted into the rafters of Chase Center. He is going down with the team if it’s what the basketball gods plan for the Warriors this year.
“I have a lot of pride, a lot to fight for,” he said. “I’d rather go out there and get my head beat in every night… I’m going to give what I can give. And with that, I can sleep at night.”
With nine games left in the season, Green and the Warriors will keep carrying that pride because right now – that’s all they have.
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This story was originally published by Basketball Network on Mar 26, 2026, where it first appeared in the Latest News section. Add Basketball Network as a Preferred Source by clicking here.