Former NBA champion on Draymond Green elevating Steph Curry’s greatness: “Draymond Green has f**king mastered his situation…He's elevating greatness”
Draymond Green has long been viewed as one of the best locker room leaders in the league. During the course of the Golden State Warriors championship runs, Green has proven himself both on and off the floor. As an outspoken leader and a floor general, Green has energized the team on crucial runs and kept them locked in.
When talking about players who have an impact that extends beyond their stat lines, Green's name is likely the first one to come up. Time and time again, whether it's during timeouts, halftime, or leading up to games, Green is often the one credited with making an impact behind the scenes.
It's something that has allowed Steph Curry and Klay Thompson to do their thing during games. With the two men leading the offense, Green can make an impact off the ball, setting screens and hauling down rebounds. On the defensive end of the court, Green is at his best. From calling out screens to throwing elbows in the paint, Green isn't afraid to do the dirty work.
The role is something Green has mastered during his time in the league, and it's something that has helped elevate the team. During a recent episode of the Road Trippin podcast, Richard Jefferson defended Green's impact on the game.
"Draymond Green has fucking mastered his situation like not many players in NBA history have. He's elevated Steph and Klay. We know their numbers when he is on the floor. He's elevated them and that scary like he is part of the reason why Steph has two MVPs. He is part of the reason why Steph's legacy is what it is."
The comments, which can be seen in the video below, begin shortly after the 34-minute mark.
Draymond Green's future with the Warriors
Although Draymond Green has long been a member of the Warriors big 3 that could change this offseason. At the end of this year, Green will be faced with a player option that could see him rejoin the team for another year, or part ways with the franchise.
This offseason, all signs pointed towards Green getting an extension, however, he put all that in jeopardy when he punched Jordan Poole. Despite the fact that the two men have reportedly put the situation behind them, it's hard to ignore the lingering impact. So far this season the team looks like a shell of its former self, going just 3-7 through their first ten games.
There's plenty of time for the team to get it together en route to back-to-back Finals wins, but with contract talks looming on the horizon things could get dicey. Even if Green opts-in to the remaining year of his contract, the rock has simply been kicked down the road.
Sooner or later, the Warriors and Draymond Green are going to have to sit down for a conversation to decide his future. Whether he's willing to take a pay cut to remain on the team will likely be a major talking point in the media going forward.
Do you think Green's time with the Warriors is winding down? Or is Draymond Green a Warriors lifer? Give us your thoughts in the comments below.