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Golden State Warriors: 2016-17 First Quarter Grades

By Gerald Bourguet

November 28, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) celebrates with forward Kevin Durant (35) and guard Klay Thompson (11) during the fourth quarter against the Atlanta Hawks at Oracle Arena. The Warriors defeated the Hawks 105-100. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
November 28, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) celebrates with forward Kevin Durant (35) and guard Klay Thompson (11) during the fourth quarter against the Atlanta Hawks at Oracle Arena. The Warriors defeated the Hawks 105-100. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /
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Golden State Warriors
Dec 3, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) flexes his muscles ahead of Phoenix Suns forward Marquese Chriss (0) after a basket and one foul during the first quarter at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /

Draymond Green

Draymond Green’s numbers have taken the steepest hit with Kevin Durant’s arrival, but make no mistake about it: He’s as effective as ever as this team’s central cog on the defensive end.

There’s been a clear statistical decline from last year’s career season, sure. Green went from averaging 14.0 points, 9.5 rebounds and 7.4 assists per game on .490/.388/.696 shooting last year to 10.8 points, 8.5 rebounds and 7.4 assists per game on .434/.329/.677 splits so far in 2016-17.

Fortunately, Green has been better than ever on the defensive end, emerging as the hands down favorite for Defensive Player of the Year through the first quarter of the new season.

Not only has he increased his steals and blocks from 1.5 and 1.4 per game last year to 2.3 and 1.5 per game this year, but he’s helped anchor a defense that got off to a bumpy start. Now up to seventh in defensive rating, the Warriors are showing signs of getting back to the defensive roots that made them a powerhouse in the first place.

After two years as runner-up, one of which featured Green earning the most first place votes, it appears as though it’s finally his time to win DPOY.  Durant has been tremendous on that end of the floor as well, but the man on the backline orchestrating the whole thing is still Draymond.

Though the Dubs would like to see him rediscover last year’s three-point proficiency, Green is leading the Warriors in rebounds, assists and steals. As their emotional leader, defensive maestro, central playmaker and the league leader in groin kicks, Draymond is as important to the Golden State juggernaut as ever.

Grade: A

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