3 Golden State Warriors who need to step up with Stephen Curry out

2. Draymond Green

This choice is a given. So far this season, Draymond Green hasn’t been himself, as the Golden State Warriors need him now more than ever to contribute more on the offensive end.

Draymond is averaging 8.5 points, 7.7 rebounds, 5.0 assists and 1.2 steals in 27.8 minutes a game, while shooting 40 percent from the field, 23.5 percent on 2.8 attempts per game beyond the arc and 70 percent from the free throw line.

All of his averages except his free throw percentage are lower than expected, which is alarming this early on.

Due to the Warriors’ current situation, Draymond has expected to perform to the level he had during the 2015-16 season, which was the season before Kevin Durant‘s arrival, where he produced career-highs in almost all of the major statistical categories.

On the other hand, Draymond’s minutes and assists per game have dipped simply because he doesn’t have the firepower around him as before and there’s no need for him to be on the floor during a blowout.

Being the first player to be ejected from the new Chase Center won’t keep the Warriors relevant until Stephen Curry’s return, so Draymond must direct that intensity towards his teammates and fire them up to give them a chance.

After going 2-for-7 in each of his last two games and being being ejected in his first game back from injury, Draymond has to prove to his doubters that he can be an effective leader in the absence of Curry and Klay Thompson.