After over a month of serving a suspension, Draymond Green is back on the sidelines for the Golden State Warriors, offering his veteran presence and words of wisdom to the team’s younger players. Warriors head coach Steve Kerr highlighted the significant impact Green has had on the bench,
In the aftermath of a loss to the Milwaukee Bucks, Kerr commended Green’s presence on the bench, stating:
“Draymond is a huge help on the bench. He talks to guys during timeouts, during the game. He’s got a great sense of the game and personnel. He was talking to JK about how to guard certain guys, and which direction to send them. So Draymond is a huge help and I look forward to getting him back on the floor.”
He emphasized his valuable contributions in advising young players like Jonathan Kuminga on defensive strategies. Kerr expressed the anticipation of having Green back on the court but acknowledged the positive influence he has exerted from the sidelines.
The Warriors, facing unexpected challenges this season, are striving to maximize the impact of their veteran star even when he’s not playing. Despite not being on the court, Green’s defensive expertise and strategic advice on the bench have proven to be invaluable for the team. Kerr acknowledged the missing piece of having a veteran leader guiding the younger players and stressed the importance of Green’s influence on both ends of the court.
As Green works on his conditioning to return to active play, the Warriors are hopeful that his imminent comeback will provide a significant boost to their playoff aspirations. Kerr indicated that Green could make his return in the upcoming games against Memphis and Utah, presenting an opportunity for the team to regain momentum with the seasoned forward back in the lineup.
The Warriors Need To Build Good Habits Once Draymond Green Returns
The Golden State Warriors face multiple challenges, including turnovers, defensive struggles, and inconsistent shooting percentages, making it crucial to establish good habits when Draymond Green returns. Currently, the team ranks 22nd in turnovers per game, averaging 14.5, reflecting a persistent issue that has haunted the Warriors over the years.
Defensively, the Warriors have encountered difficulties, ranking 24th in defensive rating with 116.7. Additionally, they stand 29th in blocks per game, 23rd in fouls, 24th in opponents’ points off turnovers, and 22nd in opponents’ fast-break points. These defensive statistics underscore the need for improvement and a return to the disciplined, high-energy defense that characterized the Warriors during their successful years.
While the Warriors exhibit decent three-point shooting, ranking 12th with a 37.0% success rate, their overall field goal percentage is concerning, placing them 23rd in the league at 46.4%. This inconsistency in shooting efficiency underscores the importance of taking quality shots and optimizing offensive opportunities.
With Draymond Green’s imminent return, the Warriors have a prime opportunity to reset and rebuild good habits. Emphasizing ball security, defensive intensity, and efficient shot selection will be essential. The team needs to prioritize defensive efforts, transition defense, and limiting opponents’ scoring opportunities. Green’s leadership and defensive prowess can play a pivotal role in revitalizing the Warriors’ defensive identity.
To revive the foundation of their success, the Warriors must commit to a stretch of games where they consistently exhibit these fundamental principles. Establishing good habits across various facets of the game will be the key to transforming the team’s fortunes and positioning them for success in a highly competitive NBA landscape.
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