Draymond Green’s Role at Center: Is it Sustainable for the Warriors?
Draymond Green, a key player for the Golden State Warriors, has been dealing with lower back soreness, which has caused him to miss games and seek extensive treatment. Green is taking a proactive approach to his injury, as he wants to avoid a repeat of a previous nerve problem that caused him to miss half a season. He is working with the team’s medical decision-maker, Rick Celebrini, in marathon treatment sessions to keep himself on the floor.
One of the challenges Green faces is his role on the current roster. The Warriors have shifted him to play center almost exclusively due to their belief that playing lineups with two non-shooters is no longer feasible. This change has been beneficial for the team, as Green’s ability to handle the center spot has unlocked successful combinations with other players like Jonathan Kuminga and Andrew Wiggins. However, playing at center puts more wear and tear on Green’s body, which has already accumulated basketball miles over his long career.
Playing center requires Green to be involved in every possession, which means he has to box out and battle with opposing centers on every play. This increased physicality can take a toll on his body, especially his lower back. Despite this, Green believes he is cut out for the role and does not overly worry about it. He trusts that the team has other capable players who can step up when needed.
The question arises: Is Green’s role at center sustainable? Green believes he can handle it, but his age and extensive playing experience raise concerns about his long-term durability. Additionally, the physical demands of playing center may exacerbate his back issues. The Warriors have tried to find frontcourt spacers to play alongside Green, but their efforts have been mixed in terms of success.
Another question is whether it is avoidable for Green to continue playing center. While he has shown improvement in his shooting, defenses still dare him to shoot and sag off him, impacting the team’s offensive spacing. The Warriors have experimented with different lineups that include Green playing alongside Trayce Jackson-Davis, who is a non-shooter but provides defensive benefits. The success of these combinations will be crucial in determining the team’s future roster decisions.
Green’s partnership with Kuminga has been successful, but it primarily involves Kuminga playing power forward and Green at center. The team has tried starting both players together with Kuminga at small forward, but the offense has been clunky in those lineups. Figuring out how to maximize the potential of Green and Kuminga’s partnership while maintaining effective spacing remains a challenge for the Warriors.
Overall, Green’s role at center presents both benefits and challenges for the Warriors. While it has unlocked successful combinations and rejuvenated the team’s season, it also puts additional physical strain on Green’s body. The team will need to carefully manage his minutes and explore options for finding a frontcourt spacer to alleviate some of the burden on Green. Additionally, experimenting with different lineups that include non-shooters like Jackson-Davis and Kuminga will be crucial in determining the team’s future success.
As for Green himself, he remains confident in his ability to handle the role and trusts that the team has options to support him. However, his long-term durability and the toll playing center takes on his body will continue to be points of consideration for the Warriors moving forward.
In conclusion, Draymond Green’s role at center for the Golden State Warriors presents both challenges and opportunities. While his versatility and ability to handle the position have been beneficial for the team, it also puts a significant physical strain on his body. The team will need to carefully manage his minutes and explore options for finding frontcourt spacers to reduce the burden on Green. His partnership with players like Jackson-Davis and Kuminga will also be crucial in determining the team’s future success. Ultimately, Green’s role at center raises questions about its long-term sustainability and whether it is avoidable in the team’s quest for continued success.