The Golden State Warriors have been without Draymond Green in the lineup since he took the floor just to participate in the opening tipoff against the Cleveland Cavaliers for Klay Thompson’s 2021-22 NBA season debut. His last actual performance occurred on Jan. 5 against the Dallas Mavericks.
The Warriors have posted a 15-11 record in games without Green in the lineup this season, but tacking on another win to that total is fair when considering that excludes the win over the Cavs but didn’t actually play.
The importance of Green’s impact as the leader of the defense with his versatility and on-court communication should not be understated. Likewise, his two-man game with Steph Curry has grown to being one of the more important tandems in the NBA. Having him back will go a long way for the Warriors, but when will that occur?
“I’m trying to stick to as fast as I can possibly get back,” Green said, via ESPN. “From where I am, you feel like it’s three weeks or so, but it could be five weeks or so. … It’s no set thing.
LATEST NBA NEWS & INJURY UPDATES: James Wiseman’s Long-Awaited Return Nearing For Warriors?
When talking to reporters after Saturday’s practice, Warriors coach Steve Kerr explained how it’s been “great just to have his energy back in the gym” and mentioned how he’s “looked great.”
“It’s great just to have his energy back in the gym, his voice,” Warriors coach Steve Kerr said. “He looked great, physically. So that’s a very positive step for him and we’ll go from here.”
Green is not going to prematurely return to the Warriors’ lineup just for the sake of coming back as soon as possible. He understands the primary objective is to win a championship and will come back when he feels “whole.”
“Like I said, as soon as I feel like I’m whole and can get back out there and get my feet back under me before the playoffs, great,” Green said. “If that’s 15 games, fantastic. If it’s 10, I’ll make do. If it’s five, then five is going to have to work.”
LATEST NBA NEWS & INJURY UPDATES: James Wiseman’s Long-Awaited Return Nearing For Warriors?
In 34 appearances, Draymond Green is averaging 7.9 points, 7.6 rebound, and 7.4 assists while shooting 53.7 percent from the floor. During the 1,018 minutes he’s been on the floor, the Golden State Warriors have produced a 111.3 offensive rating, 101.5 defensive rating, and 9.8 net rating.
