Golden State Warriors: The Evolution Of Draymond Green

Last season, Draymond Green played arguably the most important role off the bench for the Golden State Warriors.

This season should be no different.

More from Golden State Warriors

Entering his third season as a professional, the 24-year-old Michigan State product has worn multiple hats for the Dubs. According to Basketball-Reference.com, Green played minutes at every position but point guard in 2013-14.

The majority of his minutes last year, however, have been spent at small forward and power forward. He shot the ball at a clean 40 percent, able to hit from essentially anywhere on the floor.

His 2013-14 statline was solid: 6.2 points, 5.0 rebounds, 1.2 steals and 0.9 blocks per game, in just 21.9 minutes per game. Efficiency and productivity from the seventh man? Don’t take that for granted any time soon, Golden State Warriors fans.

Stats per 36 minutes can often be misleading, but I see them as appropriate in this case. In 2013-14, Draymond Green averaged 10.2 points, 8.2 rebounds, 2.0 steals and 1.4 blocks per 36 minutes of play. I don’t usually suggest role players can hit their per-36 minute averages, but in Green’s case, I say he can.

Looking ahead to 2014-15, like any new season, is a big uncertainty. It’s tough to predict stat lines for guys that are evolving in their respective roles. With Steve Kerr at the helm of the Golden State Warriors, Draymond seems to be ready for an even bigger role with the Dubs.

Kerr has made it clear that he expects to utilize someone in a stretch power forward capacity. David Lee, despite already being the clear-cut starter, has shown off an improved mid-range jump shot during training camp and preseason action. But Draymond Green may be applying for the job as Kerr’s stretch 4 as well.

Speaking with Diamond Leung and other Warriors media earlier in training camp, Kerr made it clear. If Draymond can improve his mid-range and 3-point shooting, he has a shot to be the guy off the bench for the Dubs to stretch the floor and give them additional looks in the new motion offense.

When Draymond was given the opportunity last season, he came through on numerous occasions.

On April 14 against the Minnesota Timberwolves, Green saw 38 minutes on the court and recorded 20 points, 12 rebounds, four steals and two blocks. He either met or exceeded his per-36 minute averages.

On Feb. 22, Draymond logged another 38-minute game, recording 18 points, 10 rebounds and three steals.

Not that it should come as a shock considering the overall success of 2013-14 for the Dubs, but both of those games are in the record books as wins Golden State Warriors.

Everyone loves to point out his contribution during the 2013-14 playoff series against the Los Angeles Clippers, so I will too. Stepping up to start four of the seven games in the series, Draymond averaged 32 minutes per game, in which he recorded 11.9 points, 8.3 rebounds, 1.7 steals and 1.7 blocks per game.

The Golden State Warriors took the Clippers to seven games in that series, in large part due to Draymond Green. His versatility on both ends of the court, as well as his defense of Blake Griffin, played major roles in the success his team had.

If you’re into advanced statistics, here’s a good one for you.

During that seven-game playoff series against the Clippers, Stephen Curry led the Golden State Warriors in win shares with 0.8. Second place on the team, with 0.5 win shares, was none other than Draymond Green.

If, by some chance, Steve Kerr is a HoopsHabit reader, I would respectfully request more minutes for Draymond Green. He’s proven himself as a legitimate contributor, and he can fit whatever role you need him to fill. He can handle the wear and tear of full NBA seasons. No one is asking for him to start — yet.

The long and short of it is this — Draymond Green is a guy that every coach would kill to have on his bench. Look at any championship-winning team, and you’ll find a guy that plays a role that equates to Draymond’s.

Home/Golden State Warriors