Golden State Warriors: Ranking the team’s center options

1. Draymond Green

In terms of what Green himself provides at center, there is not much mystery. He’s one of the NBA’s best rim protectors, while also being one of its best perimeter stoppers. There’s no way to express in words what a player like that does for a team, other than by saying that he’s arguably the most impactful defensive center since Bill Russell.

Offensively, Green at center allows the Warriors to play five-out and push the pace even higher than usual. He’s not a great shooter, but his ability to drive, pass and get hot for extended stretches makes him difficult to ignore. His grab-and-go ability trails only LeBron James and perhaps Ben Simmons.

As with Durant though, this is less about what Green provides at the 5 and more about what he unlocks elsewhere. In this case, the results are positive.

Durant at center means no Green on the court. Green at center means Durant at the 4, where he is terrific. It also means Iguodala at the 3 rather than Pachulia or West at the 5. It allows the team’s five best players to all play together at their best respective positions.

Next: 2017-18 Week 7 NBA Power Rankings

Kerr likes to use this lineup sparingly due to the wear and tear it puts on Green and Durant. Looking through this list, he has the depth to do so. When things get tight, however, there’s no question as to who the Warriors’ 5 should be.