SUMMARY
- Draymond Green has been playing through a lower back injury.
- The Warriors help reduce the pain with treatment before games, but Green claims he starts experiencing discomfort during the second quarter.
Draymond Green has been the most integral part of the Golden State Warriors team over the last decade. From winning four titles with a few of his current teammates to being named Defensive Player of the Year, Green is as experienced as possible. However, with age comes a lack of enduring damage. And this could derail a superstar from living up to his truest potential.
The Warriors center has not been the best player on the court but he’s consistently been the smartest player on the roster. Green has often displayed great basketball IQ on the floor and often pushes his teammates to be their best. It even attracted LeBron James to say he wanted to teammate up with Green a few years ago.
Draymond Green heated in Warriors vs Grizzlies @NBA pic.twitter.com/SVobKljtaX
— Highlights Moments (@newslet26878376) March 21, 2024
Draymond Green’s presence on the floor is so important that we witnessed the Warriors deteriorate while he got suspended earlier during the 2023-24 season. Green is one of those individuals who love instigating and pressing his opponents. And his voice on the floor has always been important as well. But now, there’s another issue regarding a lingering back injury that may cause problems.
Draymond Green has been playing through immense pain lately
Following the 2021-22 season, Draymond Green revealed that he had herniated L5 and S1 disks. As a result of this, he missed multiple games and only made 46 appearances. Somehow, he carried the team defensively which ultimately helped them win a title. The 4x NBA All-Star also revealed that the injury affected his lower extremities. It affected his ability to use his calves.
Luckily, his back ailment did not restrict him from playing 73 games last season. Green had to use a special pillow to help correct his posture as well. But the ailment seems to have returned as Green revealed he’s been playing through pain over the last few games. He was sidelined against the Dallas Mavericks during which Luka Doncic took full advantage of his absence and grabbed a win.
Green claimed that the Warriors’ medical team has been treating his back before every game to help reduce the discomfort. However, the treatment wears off by the second half after which he starts experiencing discomfort again.
Draymond Green’s injury struggles could pressure the Warriors in the long run
While the Warriors played without Draymond Green, the team went on an 11-14 run. This was probably one of the worst slumps the Warriors went into. During that time, Klay Thompson wasn’t in his best form leaving Steph Curry to lead the pack. However, it has been quite the opposite after Green returned to the floor. The Warriors have gone on a 23-17 record since his return.
Green’s impact is beyond just averaging 8.8 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 6.1 assists per game this season. Considering that he’s their primary center, Green is expected to take a lot of damage against players like Anthony Davis and Joel Embiid within the paint. But with an injury like his, the Warriors need to be extremely careful not to aggravate it, just like Steve Kerr said during a recent press conference.
If they plan on working with Draymond Green in the long run and/or make a playoff run, Green will have to be kept safe from damage. But in basketball, that’s nearly impossible. The Warriors could reduce his minutes and allow players like Trayce Jackson-Davis or Jonathan Kuminga to take on bigger roles. Green could help train these youngsters to become leading players on the Warriors roster.