-
Kendra AndrewsESPN
“DUB NATION”Are you ready?
As the lights dimmed to announce, the crowd roared in affirmation Golden State WarriorsThe’starting five.
Draymond GreenFirst,’s name was called. Then came’s. Andrew Wiggins, Kevon LooneyAnd Stephen Curry. Curry’s name is normally announced last. However, the night of January 9 was different.
Finale was saved by the shooting guard, who had waited 941 consecutive days to hear his name called once again. Klay ThompsonThe Warriors were back and it was finally over.
It took seven seconds.
Green fouled the ball just after it was tipped. Cleveland Cavaliers‘ Darius GarlandGreen immediately went to the bench. Green was suffering from calf soreness pre-game, but wanted to be included in the starting line-up to honor Thompson’s return.
He hasn’t played since.
Green and his team claimed at the time that this was a precautionary move. His return is not expected until two months later.
The Warriors were half a point behind the first-place team. Phoenix Suns on Jan. 9 — have lost seven of their past nine games to fall to 7½ games back and just half a game ahead of the third-place Memphis Grizzlies.
In the 25 games that Green was absent, the Warriors’ league best start has fallen to serious weaknesses on both ends. They struggle to find consistency on both ends of their court and are desperately seeking the chemistry they knew would be there when Thompson returned to the court.
The Warriors opened the season with the expectation of being legitimate title contenders for first time since 2017-18. With 19 games remaining in the regular season, these title hopes are contingent on Green’s return.
Coach Steve Kerr was asked by a reporter if Green is the key for the Warriors’ success. His answer was straightforward.
Kerr said to ESPN, “Yes.” “There is only one Draymond.”
WHEN GREEN HOBBLEDThe Warriors effectively lost their point guard, Thompson, when he was moved back to the bench. Green was the second-ranked player on the team with touches (73.6) as well as assists (7.4) before his injury.
Green was one of five Warriors Thompson had previously played with before his return to the team this season. Thompson especially missed Green’s playmaking when he reintegrated back into the lineup. Green and Thompson have made 669 of their 669 combined shots, which is second only to the Curry/Thompson connection.
“We all have the ability to trust and communicate with each other. It’s a great thing to find a guy like this. [Green]Curry stated that Curry is vocal and has a high IQ. He also believes in leadership.
Curry has had Green assist Curry on 816 shots during his career, 65 of which this season.
Curry and Thompson are both shooting at a career low 3 point percentage without Thompson. Curry’s January 3 point shooting percentage was 32.9%
Thompson had to contend with the minutes restriction after he returned to the team. He was initially restricted to 20 minutes per match.
“For [Thompson]Curry explained that Curry forced him to do lots of things early to get his rhythm going, even though he only had a few minutes to do it.
Guard for the third year Jordan PooleThompson was absent when Thompson started shooting guard, so this has been the most difficult adjustment in the last two months. Poole has been moved to the bench but still starts when Thompson’s out.
Poole has to make adjustments beyond just starting and coming off the bench. ESPN sources said that there was some concern over Poole’s ability to handle the many transition periods.
Kerr stated, “The change isn’t him playing on the bench. It’s that Draymond doesn’t play out there.” Think about the first half. … He wasn’t really our backup point-guard. He played with players who were skilled at handling the ball. He was very focused on shooting and scoring. Jordan was unable to focus on scoring and shooting because of the injuries. He has now been forced to assume playmaking duties, which is a bigger responsibility. He can’t just be focused on getting his points. He has to run the team. It’s the injuries that are more important to him.
Green was the leader in passes made, with 60.6 per match. Curry (49.1) was second, and Poole (39.2) was third before Jan. 9. Poole’s average game is now 41.5, even though he is the one running the offense when Curry isn’t there.
While he’s been asked to carry more playmaking load, Poole has had a difficult time shooting 3-pointers. In February, he shot 25.9%, down from 37% in January.
Wiggins has seen his scoring drop significantly since Green’s injury. Before Green’s injury Wiggins was scoring 18.8 points per match on 48% shooting.
Wiggins’ average point per game in February was just 13.8, which is the lowest since November of his rookie year. Wiggins shot only 41.9% from floor, and just 36.5% at three.
The absence of Green has made it more difficult for the Warriors to adjust to their new roles, with Thompson back in the line-up.
Curry stated, “Understand that especially without Draymond for the extended stretch, our offense ist a little different.” “Playmaking, being on and handling the ball are all more important responsibilities.”
GREEN IS THE COREPIECEThe Warriors’ defense was a cornerstone of five consecutive Finals between 2015 and 2019.
Green is inactive, and the Warriors are currently 14-11. Prior to Jan. 9, the Warriors ranked first in the league with an 8.7 net rating, but they have fallen to 3.1 net rating (ninth in NBA) since that date.
ESPN spoke to a Warriors employee who said that “He’s at the center of everything we do.”
The Warriors are the league’s No. For the majority of the season, the Warriors have been the No. 1 defense in the league. They hold the spot currently — their defensive rating (105.3), edges the Boston Celtics (105.4), and Suns (105.6 by a fraction — Kerr claims it’s an exaggerated statistic.
Green on the court, the Warriors allowed an average of 100.3 point per game. Golden State’s defensive rating dropped to 110.0 over the two-month absence of the 2017 Defensive player of the year. This is eleventh in league. The Warriors also lost Tuesday’s game. season-high 129 pointsA loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves.
“When Draymond is there, it just makes everybody’s jobs easier.” Andre Iguodala said. “Draymond, it’s all over him. Protectively guard 1-5, getting charges, blocking shots and every steal.
There are many issues that the Warriors can point at to justify their poor defense. Kerr said that it’s different every night. Kerr stated that it’s back cuts each night, transition points the next, and boxouts the next. In terms of points allowed in the paint, the Warriors finished 23rd through February. But, before that, they were No. 4.
Curry and Kerr agree that it is partly due to the lack of communication. Green is often responsible for this. Curry stated that the Warriors lack physicality and will struggle to overcome this until they grow larger.
Without Green and James WisemanDue to a right Meniscus tear, the Warriors have only one center — Looney. Nemanja BjelicaCan play small-ball centre, but missed many games with back spasms. Since returning, he hasn’t been consistent in his rotation.
Kerr and the coaching team have been trying to put together their rotation since Green’s last match, but have yet to find the winning combination.
They first insert Otto Porter Jr. Green’s starting place. They awarded rookie and No. They gave the No. Jonathan KumingaHe was given a chance to play and showed the physicality that the Warriors needed. He took a career-high 12 free shots against the Warriors. Portland Trail BlazersFebruary 24, 2004
Kerr decided to start in the Warriors’ final game prior to the All-Star break. Gary Payton IIHe was the team’s 15th roster member, and was chosen because of his ability lock down players. Payton won the game against the Denver NuggetsWith six steals, and a blocked shot from Jokic.
Kerr states that Green’s primary replacement since then, Payton will play a major role in the playoffs. Kuminga will likely join the rotation.
Curry stated, “You can lean on other parts to keep the boat floating, but we’re going to be nothing great with the way we’re built.”[Green]That is evidently a major part.”
The Warriors decided not to trade at the deadline despite their small size. They aren’t optimistic that they will find the answer in the buyout market. Bob Myers, the general manager, said that the Warriors would benefit more from the combination of Looney, Green, and Wiseman than any other trade option.
As it stands, only one of the three is available for Warriors, but Wiseman might be available soon. The 20-year-old center, listed as day-today, traveled along the team’s current road trip and took part Monday in 3-on-3 scrims.
One Warriors coach, however, said to ESPN that Wiseman won’t be a significant part of the Warriors’ roster, especially during the playoffs. Although they want to place him in specific situations, they don’t think he will be ready to handle the majority of the work down low immediately. They want him to prepare to become an integral part the team’s next season.
Green participated in Green’s first team practiceSince January, he has been participating in 5-on-0 conditioning and shooting drills. On Wednesday, he was able to join the Dallas team and participate in 3-on-3 scrimmages alongside Thompson and Wiseman. The regular season is over and the Grizzlies are closing in on the No. Green has not yet established a timeline for his return. The Warriors do not have a clear replacement.
While they have been able to win the entire season, the Warriors still lack one or two key pieces. Both Green and the Warriors believe he will return in time for the playoffs. However, the Warriors must figure out how they can stay afloat during that time.
Thompson stated, “It gives my chills.” Thompson also mentioned that it makes Thompson feel “chills” thinking about how strong he could be.