Since returning from his indefinite suspension earlier this season, Draymond Green has been the Golden State Warriors‘ center.
Steve Kerr altered the team’s starting lineup around the All-Star break, sliding Klay Thompson to the bench and replacing him with Jonathan Kuminga. For the most part, having Green in the middle of the floor has provided the Warriors with additional pace and physicality.
Nevertheless, the role change has undoubtedly taken an additional toll on Green’s body. Rather than playing with opposing forwards, he’s facing off against some of the biggest and strongest players in the league. Still, Green believes he’s capable of dealing with the additional physicality of his new role.
“It’s definitely more taxing because at the five you are involved in every possession,” Green told The Athletic’s Anthony Slater. “At the four, fours don’t crash every time. You may not have to box out every possession. At the five, you got to box out every play. Fives are trying to get the ball every play. Even something as simple as that, let’s call it 20 more box outs a game. That’s contact. That’s a battle. So it’s definitely more taxing. But I’m cut out for it.”
Green has played in 43 games this season. He’s averaging 8.8 points 7.3 rebounds and 6.1 assists per game. His role change has put him in a position to lean into his incredible basketball IQ and ability to read the game, thus elevating the Warriors’ defense as he quarterbacks it from the middle of the floor.
Despite dealing with some back issues, Green will significantly contribute to the Warriors’ chances of success this season. He will face off against the most physical bigs in the Western Conference as Golden State tries to navigate the play-in tournament and the postseason. Fortunately, he’s one of the most cerebral players in the league. If anyone can handle the additional physicality, it’s him.
