The Golden State Warriors have been without Draymond Green for a few weeks now, including during their opening night loss to the Phoenix Suns.
Green leaves a pretty big void on the roster, so clearly the team wants him back as soon as possible.
Speaking with the press on Thursday, head coach Steve Kerr said that Green is on track to be back with the team as soon as possible and is simply going through conditioning procedures that all players must experience.
“He’s close,” Kerr said at the end of his statement, according to a video shared by NBC Sports.
Steve Kerr says the Dubs are “close” to having Dray back in the lineup 😈 pic.twitter.com/AeVEXnw26d
— Warriors on NBCS (@NBCSWarriors) October 27, 2023
Green is a focal point of the team’s defensive plans, which is quite a crucial job.
For years now, he has been an important part of the team’s big three, alongside Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson.
The team’s defense was weaker without Green on Tuesday night, leading to their 108-104 loss to the Suns.
Would Green have been able to prevent those four extra points that resulted in Phoenix’s win?
Last season, Green averaged 8.5 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 6.8 assists.
That was one of his best seasons in years, and it had people thinking that 2023-24 could be even better.
Beyond just his work on the floor, Green is a driving force behind the team’s culture.
He has been an outspoken and committed voice in the team’s locker room and on the bench for years.
That will also be necessary throughout this season.
The Warriors have been able to score important wins in the past without Green, but they definitely want him suited up whenever he is ready.
According to Kerr, it sounds like that day is on the horizon.
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