"Don't worry about that": Draymond Green plays down Warriors size concerns while trolling NBA bigs
Draymond Green was not worried about the size concerns of the Golden State Warriors. With the other teams in the league filled with bonafide bigs, the Dubs do fall short in the department, but the veteran wasn't the least bit worried when he answered the questions on the sidelines of their opening night skirmish against the Phoenix Suns.
Speaking to the analysts during the second half of the game, Green downplayed the issue and instead took a dig at the bigs:
"No, I wouldn't necessarily worry about that. With that very small team, we won a championship a couple of years ago. These are things the bigger teams have to handle when they are playing against us, with our speed. So I wouldn't worry about that."
Green was ruled out of the team's much-anticipated opening night clash as he continues to recover from a left ankle sprain that he suffered while playing pickup before the start of training camp. In his absence, Golden State started with Chris Paul, Stephen Curry, Andrew Wiggins, Klay Thompson and Kevon Looney.
Draymond Green's absence provides the team's think-tank with an opportunity to figure out the potential lineups they can experiment with before the seasoned forward returns to action.
Draymond Green Injury Update: Veteran cleared for 5 x 5 action
While it was reported earlier that Draymond Green was cleared for 5 x 5 action, it was understandable as to why the Warriors decided to rest the forward for a game. While the onus is on fielding their best lineup on opening night, it is still the first game, and a loss wouldn't necessarily hurt the Warriors.
When talking about his recovery, Green sounded optimistic, and that comes off as good news for Dubs fans:
"I do feel good. I don't feel all the way 100% myself, but I'm getting there."
The four-time NBA champion played 73 games last season and averaged 8.5 points, 7.2 rebounds and 6.8 assists. While the numbers hardly do justice to what Green brings to the table, Golden State will miss his high IQ play and his astute defense that has been one of the vital cogs in the team's success over the last decade.
His motor is perhaps his biggest strength. In addition, Green crashes the boards, boxes out at will, provides excellent assistance in the post and plays better than most 6-foot-7 guys do when they are forced to guard genuine bigs. The Warriors will surely get a massive boost when he returns to the lineup.