December 1st 2024.
The Golden State Warriors are facing a major decision when it comes to their star player, Draymond Green. They are trying to find the perfect balance between playing him alongside a center or giving him more minutes without one. Green has expressed a preference for playing with either Trayce Jackson-Davis or Kevon Looney, as it helps protect him from the physical demands of playing against bigger and stronger opponents. It also allows him to focus on being a help defender rather than being locked into guarding the opposing team's center.
However, playing Green at the center position opens up new possibilities for the Warriors, especially when it comes to utilizing the talents of Jonathan Kuminga. In the past, the team has used Green at center during crucial moments in games, relying on his speed, athleticism, and defensive skills to gain an advantage. This lineup has been used for more than half of Green's playing time this season.
For the most part, the Warriors have started Green alongside Jackson-Davis this season, with the exception of their recent game against the Thunder where Kuminga played power forward next to him. The dilemma for the Warriors is whether to prioritize Kuminga's downhill ability or to save Green's energy, as he is a crucial part of their identity on the court. Green himself has stated that he will do whatever the team needs him to do, showing his commitment to the team's success.
The Phoenix Suns, the Warriors' upcoming opponent, also face a similar issue with their center, Jusuf Nurkic, being unavailable. This has led to them playing Kevin Durant, who is not a traditional center, for 10% of his minutes at the five position. However, the Warriors' decision is more pressing as it directly impacts their identity as a team.
According to Cleaning The Glass, Green has played 53% of his minutes at center this season. While the team has been better in those situations, the difference is minimal. They are +10 per 100 possessions when Green plays power forward compared to +11.3 when he plays center. Despite this, the Warriors are likely to continue starting Green at power forward, with coach Steve Kerr stating that he believes in playing Green at the five for limited minutes.
The current starting lineup of Steph Curry, Lindy Waters III, Andrew Wiggins, Green, and Jackson-Davis has been successful, outscoring opponents by 11.1 points per 100 possessions. This lineup was even better when De'Anthony Melton was playing shooting guard, but with him out for the season, the team is still confident in this core-four lineup.
Last season, Green played a career-high 70% of his minutes at center, but this was mostly out of necessity. This season, the team has more options, allowing Green to play more time at his preferred position of power forward. While unlocking Kuminga's potential is crucial, the team's ultimate priority is keeping Green fresh and healthy. The Warriors are +6.1 points per 100 possessions with Green on the court, regardless of his position, highlighting his importance to the team.
Playing Green at center increases the physical demands on him, as he has to box out and defend against bigger players. This can take a toll on his body, especially when guarding players like Nurkic, Isaiah Hartenstein, Nikola Jokic, Rudy Gobert, Anthony Davis, and Ivica Zubac. The team is aware of this and wants to avoid overworking their aging star players, similar to how they handle Curry's playing time.
In terms of health, the current lineup is working well for Green, and the team has more options this season compared to last. Looney, who has been playing well this season, has also been utilized at center, giving Green much-needed rest. Both Wiggins and Curry were expected to play in the game against the Suns, despite being listed as questionable on the official injury report.
Coach Kerr has also coached Durant in two Olympics, and it was apparent towards the end of Durant's time with the Warriors that he was ready to move on and take on a new challenge. While the team would have loved to keep him, it was not meant to be. The Warriors will have to adjust to the Suns' capable reserves in their upcoming game.
The Warriors will continue to balance playing Green with or without a center, but with the team's depth and options, they are confident in finding the right balance to keep Green fresh and contribute to their success on the court.
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