NBA analyst questions Draymond Green's value: “Was Green ever really a star in his own right, or was he the beneficiary of playing alongside the two greatest shooters ever?”

Draymond Green is the heart and soul of the Golden State Warriors. He plays with the passion and intensity needed to win championships.

Green has blossomed into a Hall of Fame talent since being drafted by the Warriors in 2012. He has experienced it all, from being the last man on the bench to making crucial plays in important games.

Green isn't much of a scorer. But his combination of defense, playmaking and high basketball IQ sets him apart from the rest.

ESPN reporter Zach Lowe discussed his status as an All-Star in the league. He isn't a traditional star, but not too many players can impact a game quite like him.

"Was Green ever really a star in his own right, or was he the beneficiary of playing alongside the two greatest shooters ever?" Lowe wrote.

Thoughts? 🤔

@ZachLowe_NBA looks back at Draymond's time with the Warriors on @ESPNPlus ➡️ es.pn/3NC67rU https://t.co/5cyBrukFkw

In an article posted on ESPN, Lowe explained why the four-time champion is a star in the NBA.

"With him, the Warriors could have won in many styles and forms. That is the luxury of all-time greatness: It can accommodate anything," wrote Lowe

"Green enhances that unpredictability in a way no other big man could. He has been at least Golden State's co-point guard. ... Green is and was a legitimate star in his own right."

He doesn't fill up the stat sheet on a nightly basis. But that's not his role. Draymond Green has adapted into the perfect 'glue guy' for the Warriors. He's already surrounded by the best shooting pair in NBA history. It's his job to make it easier for Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson.

In an age where stars demand a lot of touches, Green knew the best move for him was to take a back seat. Allowing Steph Curry and Klay Thompson to be the best versions of themselves is what turned Draymond Green into a star.

Could this be Draymond Green's last season with the Warriors?

Prior to the start of the season, the Warriors gave Jordan Poole a massive contract extension. So far, Poole has been outstanding. He's expected to one day be the franchise's next superstar. Andrew Wiggins also received a massive payday this offseason.

Green is the only star player on the Warriors without a long-term contract. He is set to become an unrestricted free agent after this season.

The 32-year-old still has a player option attached to his current deal, but he will most likely opt for free agency to maximize his earning potential. Draymond Green's time with the Warriors may be coming to an end.

The Warriors' refusal to offer him a contract extension was strategic. The team has the highest payroll in the league and are willing to spend into the luxury tax to remain competitive. But even they have their limits. Is it worth signing the aging player to a multi-year extension?

Golden State Warriors won't find another player like Green. Letting him go would signal the end of an era.

Draymond Green has averaged 8.7 points, 6.9 rebounds and 5.4 assists over 10-plus seasons with the franchise.