While much of the Golden State Warriors’ injury concerns focus on two-time MVP Stephen Curry, the franchise now has another concern that could prove much more problematic from a long-term standpoint.
Veteran forward Draymond Green, arguably the team’s second-most valuable player behind Curry, missed Wednesday’s loss to the Dallas Mavericks because of back soreness.
The 34-year-old’s absence was his first missed game since returning from a 16-game suspension at Memphis on Jan. 15. Since then, Green has become the Warriors’ starting center, joining Andrew Wiggins and Jonathan Kuminga in a new frontcourt.
Speaking on his podcast On Thursday, Green highlighted injury issues that could prove to be a long-term problem that he and the franchise must deal with moving forward.
“My back has been bothering me for about four or five games now. I’ve kind of lived through it and played through it. We have the best coaching staff in the league and they’re doing things to get me back into a good space. .. My body keeps giving warning shots. Listen to them before you have to and you won’t be able to do anything.
– Green Draymond
It was always going to be the concern pushing Green to play as the permanent starting center. Despite being one of the best defensive players in NBA history, the four-time All-Star routinely gives up 5-6 inches and 40-50 pounds to opposing big men on a nightly basis.
It’s difficult to gauge how much of an impact center play has on Green’s back issues, but it’s fair to assume that it probably doesn’t help. In fairness, head coach Steve Kerr and the Warriors were already managing Green even before his absence on Wednesday.
The former Defensive Player of the Year has averaged just 26.5 minutes this season, by far the lowest since his second year in the league when he was still mostly a reserve. Most recently, Kerr has relied more on rookie center Trayce Jackson-Davis, who has averaged more than 21 minutes played over the past seven games.
Green hopes to return to the lineup in a crucial game against the Los Angeles Lakers on Saturday. The Warriors could also have Curry back who missed three games after injuring his ankle against the Chicago Bulls last week.
