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Along with his recent bench argument with head coach Steve Kerr, Draymond Green’s stats are causing big issues for the Golden State Warriors.
Though Stephen Curry has continued to perform this season at a pretty similar clip to his MVP days, the same can’t be said for Draymond Green of the Golden State Warriors.
Along with his recent bench argument with head coach Steve Kerr, Green’s drastic drop in play has been an overarching issue for the Warriors through their first 30 games this year.
Writing on Green’s dropping play for Golden State, Nick Friedell of The Athletic described that, along with his continuous outbursts that by themselves are nothing new to the franchise, his lack of efficiency is only becoming a larger concern in the final chapter of their dynastic run.
“The real issue for the Warriors isn’t that Green created another scene in Monday’s game; it’s that the skills that were once so sharp and consistent every night have started to diminish,” Friedell wrote. “The reality is, the Warriors have to accept that Green is not the player he used to be, and they’ve got to find ways to maximize the best areas he can still help them.”
Throughout the season, Green is averaging 8.1 points, 6.1 rebounds, 5.1 assists, and 3.1 turnovers per game, shooting just over 40%. He isn’t the only concern for the Warriors right now, but perhaps one that could foreshadow a quicker decline of the team than any expected.
Draymond Green’s Poor Play This Season
Again, while Green’s bench dispute with Kerr and his subsequent benching for the rest of the contest wasn’t that out of the ordinary, they certainly don’t signal that the team is moving in a positive direction.
But perhaps more importantly, at least in Green’s case, is his significant drop in play this season. Along with nearly averaging a career-high in turnovers, the 35-year-old simply isn’t performing at the same level seen throughout the first 13 years of his NBA tenure.
“On a basic level, Green has fewer field goals made (72) than he does turnovers (75) and personal fouls (80). What’s just as alarming for the Warriors is the drop in Green’s offensive production through the first 30 games of the season,” Friedell wrote.
But along with his worst shooting percentages from the field, three, and the free-throw line in recent years, Kerr seems to see his decline, as reflected in his near-career-low minutes so far this year.
“The fact that Green is only averaging 27 minutes a game this season,” Friedell added. “Is a recognition from the Warriors of two difficult truths. First, at 35 years old, Green’s body is starting to show more wear and tear. He’s dealt with a lingering foot issue all year that the organization continues to monitor. Second, as reliant as the group is on Green for his defensive prowess, his offensive struggles leave a wider hole than ever.”
The entire Warriors organization seems to understand the impact a healthy and positive Green brings to the table, but so far this year, that hasn’t been the case, and along with his recent spat with Kerr as well as his drop in play, the Golden State dynasty could come to an end as quickly as it began.
Warriors Issues So Far
To be clear, perhaps the only aspect of this Warriors team that should be exempt from criticism is Curry, in line to make another All-Star and All-NBA team if he keeps up his 28.7 point scoring average on 39.8% from three. Jimmy Butler has also been solid, putting up nearly 20 points per game, but at the same time, he hasn’t brought anything close to the same level of impact as Curry.
Along with Green’s clash with Kerr and his drop in play, Golden State has been one of the worst turnover teams in the league, ranking second with 15.6 turnovers per game, only behind the young Portland Trail Blazers.
the warriors if the goal of basketball was to have as many dumb and embarrassing turnovers as possible
Additionally, the team has been without Al Horford for multiple weeks as he deals with sciatica. The 39-year-old was a key offseason addition for the four-time champions, but so far, has played in just 13 games, putting career-low points, rebounds, and minutes per game in the process. Horford’s absence has played a big part in Golden State’s struggles protecting the rim, but at this point in his career, relying on the 2024 champ to man the middle is likely too tall a task.
But perhaps the biggest shadow over the Warriors this season has been Jonathan Kuminga. The franchise has shared a tumultuous history with the 23-year-old forward over the past two years, and after signing him to an extension over the summer, he doesn’t look to have a long-term future in the Bay Area.
If Golden State can make a trade that sends Kuminga out and brings in another wing who can guard big men, that could solve some problems. But for now, as long as Green stays on this current path, the Warriors winning multiple playoff rounds, or even making the postseason for that matter, doesn’t feel likely.
Eli Gregorski is a sports journalist covering the NBA for Heavy Sports. He has years of sports writing experience covering the NBA, NFL, college football and basketball, international soccer, and Formula One. He graduated from the University of Colorado Boulder, where he was the assistant sports editor for the award-winning CU Independent student publication. More about Eli Gregorski
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