Draymond Green’s Decline Is Forcing the Warriors Into a Tough Reality
The Golden State Warriors have a Draymond Green problem - and for once, it has nothing to do with suspensions, scuffles, or sideline drama. This time, it’s about what’s happening on the court. Or more accurately, what isn’t happening.
Green’s fingerprints were all over the Warriors’ one-point loss to the Phoenix Suns - and not in a good way. He committed five turnovers and shot just 1-for-6 from deep, part of a broader offensive slide that’s becoming impossible to ignore.
While his defensive IQ still shows up in flashes, the impact he once had on both ends of the floor is fading. And for Golden State, that’s a serious issue.
The Offense Is Stalling - and Draymond’s at the Center of It
Draymond Green has always been a unique piece in the Warriors’ puzzle. A 6-foot-6 forward who can defend bigs, run the offense, and serve as Steph Curry’s pick-and-roll partner, Green’s versatility helped define the Warriors’ dynasty. But now, the things that made him special are starting to work against him.
This season, Green is taking over 60% of his shots from beyond the arc - despite hitting just 33% of them. Near the rim, he’s converting at a career-low 54.5%.
Defenses have figured it out: they don’t need to respect his scoring anymore. That’s a problem.
When defenders don’t have to guard you as a scoring threat, they can start playing the passing lanes. And that’s exactly what’s happening.
Green is turning the ball over at the highest rate of his career - 5.5 times per 100 possessions. That’s not just a blip; it’s a trend.
In crunch time against Phoenix, the Suns’ Ryan Dunn essentially ignored Green and played free safety, roaming to disrupt passing lanes and challenge shots. It worked.
The Warriors coughed up 20 turnovers in that game, which the Suns turned into 30 points. That’s a backbreaker.
On the season, Golden State is averaging 16.1 turnovers per game, and Green (3.3) and Curry (3.0) are the biggest culprits. The difference?
Curry is still pouring in 28.8 points per game. Green?
Just 8.2.
The Athleticism Is Fading, and the Numbers Back It Up
Green’s decline isn’t just showing up in the box score - it’s showing up in the way he moves. His numbers in offensive rebounds, blocked shots, and especially steals have all taken a hit. That’s often the first sign of fading athleticism, and with Green turning 36 in March, it’s hard to ignore.
When Green isn’t hitting shots inside or out, his value has to come from elite defense. But it’s no longer a given that he can anchor the defense the way he once did - especially not against bigger, more athletic centers. That leaves Golden State with a power forward who isn’t spacing the floor and isn’t finishing at the rim - and that’s a tough fit in today’s NBA.
The Lineup Puzzle Is Getting Harder to Solve
Green’s limitations are creating ripple effects throughout the roster. Jonathan Kuminga brings energy and athleticism, but his shooting struggles make it hard to pair him with Green.
Jimmy Butler is shooting well from deep, but he’s not taking many attempts. The result?
The Warriors often end up with small lineups that are both undersized and slow - a dangerous combination in a league that’s getting faster and more versatile by the year.
And the options aren’t great. Trading Kuminga might bring back a useful piece, but it doesn’t solve the core issue: how to build a functional offense around Green.
Trading Green would be the cleaner basketball solution, but that’s easier said than done. Steph Curry still seems to want him around, and Green is the last remaining piece from those early championship runs.
The Warriors Are at a Crossroads
This is where sentiment and strategy collide. The logical move is to move on from Green, retool the roster, and give him the legacy sendoff he’s earned - maybe even a statue outside Chase Center someday. But the emotional move is to keep him, hope for a late-career resurgence, and ride it out with the core that brought Golden State four titles.
The problem? All the signs are pointing in the wrong direction.
The turnovers, the shooting, the defense - they’re not trending up. And in a Western Conference that’s only getting tougher, the Warriors can’t afford to wait too long to face the reality of where Green is - and where he’s headed.
For now, the Warriors are stuck in the middle. And unless something changes soon, that might be exactly where they stay.