Green's eventual return is a double-edged sword for struggling Warriors

After going 5-12 in their last 17 games, it's safe to say that the Golden State Warriors are in serious trouble, particularly after power forward Draymond Green was suspended by the league. Green's indefinite suspension leaves the Warriors to fill his role at power forward with fourth-year player Jonathan Kaminga. While Kaminga has often struggled to earn consistent playing time, he has made strides this season, and this could be his chance to earn a more permanent role going forward.

Were Green to miss a month, Kaminga would have 16 games in the starting lineup to prove himself, and assuming that he does, Green could be forced to the bench. Perhaps that is for the best, with Green steadily declining and his on-court behavior becoming more unpredictable.

A new role for Draymond Green could be a double-edged sword for the Golden State Warriors.

Of course, paying someone who's earning at least $26 million a season to play around 25 minutes a game is likely untenable for the Warriors. After all, they are one of the most expensive teams in the NBA, and although Green has certainly hurt his trade value, he could still draw significant interest from other teams.

Thus, it seems inevitable that Green will eventually be moved. His declining skill set and tendency to miss time with suspension ensure that Golden State will at least consider moving on from one of the members of their Big Three.

Despite that, how expendable he is will largely depend on Kuminga. Kuminga is playing for a new contract and will have the motivation to be aggressive, which will hopefully lead to good things for both him and the Warriors.

With Klay Thompson and Andrew Wiggins both struggling and Green missing in action for an indefinite period of time, Golden State needs someone else to step up, and Kuminga might be the player to do so.