The Golden State Warriors have a center problem that Draymond Green could need to fix.
Draymond Green has been back in the role as small-ball center for the Golden State Warriors during preseason.
Green is being utilized in the role by default. Al Horford, 40, is considered too old to play the role in back-to-backs, and Charles Bassey is not regarded as experienced enough. Kristaps Porzingis should be the starter – but he is ruled out indefinitely with a mystery illness.
Speaking to Fast Break, former NBA star Olden Polynice says the Warriors should not use Green at the position, arguing that basketball has moved on. Pointing to the emergence of Nikola Jokic and Victor Wembanyama – he has urged Golden State to find a younger player to combat their threat, instead of relying on Draymond.
Polynice said: “I’m not starting Draymond at the five. Eight years ago, yes, it’s way different now… certain things have evolved since when Draymond was Defensive Player of the Year. You’ve aged, you got more minutes on your body.
“The Warriors need young, big bodies that can play basketball. And if you can’t find them, build one. They out there. Somebody just got to find the guy and develop them.”
Draymond Green, 36, has always been the type of player to do whatever the team needs of him, sacrificing individual statistics to benefit the team. It is a philosophy that has helped the Warriors to win four titles – but the last came back in 2022.
The outlook is bleaker for the Warriors than it was entering last season, with Jimmy Butler unlikely to return from injury until January or February. By this time, the damage could be done.
Former Lakers star Byron Scott has a different view on Draymond Green, and believes he can thrive at the position – but not for the entire season.
Scott said: “I think Draymond can play five in this league today because the fact that you don’t have dominant bigs, besides the Joker. I mean, every other big is perimeter. Most of them are all the perimeter. So that’s that’s perfect for Draymond.
“I think that he can do it, but I don’t know if he can do it for 82 games.”
Draymond Green believes in his attributes
Draymond Green will always be lacking the size that some of the centers in the NBA have to offer. But he believes in his other traits.
Speaking in 2025, Green told reporters: “Playing the five isn’t always about size. It’s about the size of the heart. And I think my heart is as big, if not bigger, than anyone’s in this league. I always trust in that.”
The Warriors will need to show a lot of heart to stay competitive until Jimmy Butler returns from injury.
Over the weekend, Al Horford spoke out to praise the development of Charles Bassey. If he can step up and alleviate some pressure from Green, then the Warriors will be in a better position – while they wait for good news over Porzingis.
Discussion about this post