Golden State Warriors: 3 goals for Draymond Green next season

WASHINGTON, DC - FEBRUARY 03: Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors reacts in the second half against the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena on February 03, 2020 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - FEBRUARY 03: Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors reacts in the second half against the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena on February 03, 2020 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images) /
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Golden State Warriors
Golden State Warriors (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images) /

Draymond Green’s Goal No. 1: Step up offensively

Green at his best is one of the elite defenders in the league, we know that. But as we’ve already touched on, it is his production offensively that is far from a sure thing. In the past, it hasn’t needed to be, which was why he was perfectly suited to the role of leader and defensive anchor.

But this Warriors roster does not have the depth that it once did, and this was ruthlessly exposed without Curry and Thompson last year. Both of those guards will get back to their All-Star best at some point, and the organization will be hoping the sooner the better.

But until that happens, and even once it does, it would be great if Green could add more scoring to the mix. We think of Green as somebody who has routinely knocked down shots from deep in the postseason to stretch opponents ridiculously thin defensively. But for his career as a whole Green is only a 31.9 percent shooter from deep.

That number has held fairly consistently in the playoffs as well, which goes against the notion that once the postseason begins Green’s shooting goes to another level (admittedly he did shoot a scorching 41 percent from 3-point range during the playoffs in 2017 en route to a title).

So if he could bring some more scoring it would be a big help to the whole team. Even putting him in more pick-and-roll play with the likes of Curry (which wasn’t required when Durant was on the roster) would be beneficial to both. Green is quick enough to get into the paint against bigger centers, while his shooting stroke from deep and his reputation at least keeps defenders honest.

It would be even more interesting if Green handled the ball in some of this action too. His passing has always been strong, even if his decision making on that end doesn’t always play along. Green averaged 6.2 assists last season, and being able to tee up Curry and Thompson would be an awesome help to how the Warriors play offensively moving forward.

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