Gui Santos Is Forcing the Warriors to Rethink Draymond Green’s Role - and That’s a Good Problem to Have
Sometimes, opportunity knocks. Other times, it crashes through the door with a game-winner and a stat line that demands attention. Gui Santos is doing the latter - and now the Golden State Warriors have a decision to make.
With the All-Star break looming and Stephen Curry and Kristaps Porzingis expected to return shortly after, the Warriors are getting healthier. But the rise of Santos, the 21-year-old Brazilian forward, is creating a ripple effect that could shake up the starting five - and potentially bump franchise cornerstone Draymond Green to a bench role.
Let’s break down how we got here, and why this isn’t necessarily a bad thing for Golden State.
Gui Santos: From Rotation Piece to Breakout Starter
Santos has been the brightest spot in the aftermath of Jimmy Butler’s season-ending knee injury. Over the past seven games, he’s averaging 15.0 points, 5.1 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 1.3 steals, and 1.0 block per game - all while shooting a scorching 62.7% from the field and 43.3% from beyond the arc. Those aren’t just solid numbers; they’re starter-caliber numbers on a team that still has postseason aspirations.
And it’s not just the stats. It’s the confidence.
It’s the poise. It’s the fact that he drilled a game-winner against the Grizzlies and looked like he’d been in that moment a dozen times before.
Steve Kerr sees it too. After that Memphis win, the head coach said he envisions Santos remaining in the starting lineup even once the roster is back to full strength. That’s a telling statement - especially when you consider who might be the odd man out.
What This Means for Draymond Green
Draymond Green has long been the emotional heartbeat of the Warriors. His connection with Curry is legendary, his defensive IQ is elite, and his leadership is woven into the fabric of Golden State’s dynasty years. But the reality is, Green has played just 24 minutes in two of the last three games - and that’s with Porzingis still sidelined.
Once Porzingis is back in the fold, he’s likely to reclaim a starting spot. He’s making over $30 million, he’s a key offensive weapon, and he brings a different dynamic to the frontcourt.
Curry is obviously locked in as the starting point guard. Moses Moody has been on a tear, scoring in double figures in 13 of the last 14 games and hitting 48% from deep during that stretch.
That’s three starters right there. Add Santos - who gives the team size, spacing, and momentum - and you’re at four.
That leaves one spot. And it’s far from a lock that it belongs to Green.
Other Options and the Frontcourt Puzzle
De’Anthony Melton has been starting recently and brings defensive toughness on the perimeter. Al Horford, meanwhile, has quietly been one of Golden State’s most impactful players over the past week. He also shares on-court chemistry with Porzingis from their Boston days - a factor that shouldn’t be overlooked.
But Green’s case isn’t just about stats or fit. It’s about history.
It’s about how well he and Curry read the game together, how they flow in transition, how Green’s playmaking from the elbow unlocks Curry’s off-ball magic. That chemistry can still be preserved, even if Green comes off the bench and plays 24-28 minutes per night.
This isn’t about pushing Green out of the picture. It’s about maximizing what the Warriors have right now - and right now, Gui Santos is giving them something they can’t ignore: production, energy, and the kind of upside that makes you think about the future.
A Transition, Not a Demotion
If the Warriors determine that Butler’s injury has taken them out of true contention this season, then this becomes a perfect time to experiment. Let Santos grow.
Let Green lead the second unit. Let the team evolve.
Green doesn’t have to start to be impactful. He can still close games.
He can still anchor the defense. He can still be Draymond Green.
But Santos has earned his moment, and the Warriors - to their credit - seem ready to let him have it.
This isn't a changing of the guard. It's more like passing the torch with one hand while still holding onto it with the other. And for a Warriors team looking to stay competitive while building for what’s next, that's exactly the kind of balance they need.