Historic moment: Becky Hammon stepping in as Spurs coach captured with perfect photo RIP: Paul Westphal dies at 70 NBA Hall of Famer led Phoenix Suns as player and coach Though Green expressed both frustration and understanding with the team-imposed minutes restriction, Kerr said he plans to increase Green’s workload only gradually after consulting with Green and the Warriors’ training staff. Green then missed the first four regular-season games because of a right foot strain. Green did not confirm testing positive for COVID-19, (“who said I came down with COVID?”) but his absence to open training camp coincided with the Warriors r evealing two unnamed players tested positive for the virus. The Warriors were one of the eight teams not participating in the NBA’s restart.Īfter getting some rest following five consecutive Finals appearances, Green reported having strenuous offseason workouts that left the Warriors impressed with his weight and conditioning. Green played in 43 games in 2019-20 because of various injuries and last played an NBA game on March 10, shortly before the NBA suspended the season because of the coronavirus outbreak. The Warriors are coming off a season where they finished with a league-worst 15-50 record. Due in part to key offseason departures – Kevin Durant most notably – as well as the long-term injuries to Curry and Klay Thompson, Green posted the worst shooting percentage of his career since his rookie season (38.9%), scoring just 8 points per game, and oversaw a Warriors defense that ranked 26th in defensive rating with 113 points allowed per 100 possessions. We’re dealing with unique circumstances given the offseason.” "We don’t know how long it’s going to take.
“It’s going to happen," Warriors coach Steve Kerr said. And they envision Green helping Stephen Curry get more open looks because of his passing, and that he can bolster his younger teammates with his demanding and constructive feedback.Īmong the many questions the Warriors have to wrestle with: how long will this process take? They see Green becoming the defender he has been who can cover all five positions by mastering individual assignments and covering up for teammates’ mistakes. The Warriors expect Green to become the playmaker he has been in the past, which involves running the offense like a point guard. “I really want to come out and showcase the work I was able to put in through the course of this offseason and play at the level I know I’m capable of playing.” “What I’m expecting this year is to have a great year,” the 30-year-old Green said about his ninth NBA season. Since when has Green backed down from a challenge? Instead, Green held the same conviction about his skills that led to three NBA championships, a Defensive Player of the Year honor and three All-Star appearances. Yet, Green hardly spoke as if he was conceding defeat after the Warriors’ 2-3 start or with his own poor play in his debut. “I sucked last night in guiding people on the floor,” Green said. He also did not agree with the contention he has already bolstered the Warriors' defense with his positional versatility and by providing helpful tips to his younger teammates. On a minutes restriction (he played just 18 minutes), Green's playmaking was also limited (just four assists). He failed to score in his season debut Friday in the Warriors' loss to the Portland Trail Blazers. Green missed the first four games of the season because of a foot injury and almost all of training camp due to NBA health a safety protocols. “That is kind of frustrating because I was coming into camp probably the best shape I came in since my fourth year of the league.” “My conditioning just kind of sucks from being off the court for a better part of a month,” Green said following Warriors practice Saturday. So leave it to Green to offer the most accurate assessment of himself. For better or for worse, officials, coaches and teammates have learned that about Draymond Green during his NBA career. The Golden State Warriors star never shies away from giving honest opinions.