Draymond Green has returned from his five-game suspension and insists that he will continue to play basketball the way he always has – a performance that has typically been anything but a liability for the Warriors. Rarely is Green unable to contribute to his team, excelling in defense and communication, orchestrating the offense and demonstrating a high basketball IQ. Despite this, it is Green’s conduct that has proved to hurt his team, as the Warriors have suffered greatly from the suspensions and ejections he has accrued in recent seasons.
It’s imperative for Green to rein in his non-basketball behaviors if he wants to avoid jeopardizing his team’s success. Several omitted incidents have cost the Warriors dearly and it’s crucial for teammates, coaches, and team executives that he adjust his approach and control his emotions on the court.
“I have to be on the court for my teammates,” Green stated. “Our chances of winning drop dramatically if I’m not out there. So, I have to be better at being there as one of the leaders of this group. I’ve just got to find different ways. That’s the biggest lesson in it. You’ve got to be there for your teammates.”
For Green to be more available and helpful to his team, it’s important that he internalizes this message for the duration of his contract. His absence from the court during his suspension or ejections has contributed to the Warriors’ lackluster performance and defensive ratings. Returning to play in Sacramento may be an opportunity for the Warriors to recalibrate and reinstate their defensive prowess and playing combinations.
Coach Steve Kerr acknowledges that the team’s defense instantly improves with Green’s presence, and they seek to find the best playing combinations that emphasize their two-way capabilities. Green’s potential absence poses limitations to the team, and it’s essential for him to make necessary adjustments to his on-court behavior for the sake of his team, specifically through channeling his energy to basketball matters.
Green has had conversations with Joe Dumars, the league’s chief disciplinarian and his longtime friend, regarding his conduct on the court, and has acknowledged that further misbehavior will lead to harsher penalties. His mission is to find a balance between his intense competitive edge and his unacceptable behavior, realizing the implications that it has on his team if he is unavailable. The Warriors collectively want Green back and hope to retain his presence, recognizing their limited potential without him.
