For all the shooting splendor of Stephen Curry, much of his success is owed to Draymond Green. While most of Green’s credit comes from the defensive side of the ball, his offense is an underrated aspect of the four-time NBA champion.
The Golden State Warriors’ social media team dedicated a highlight to the one-time Defensive Player of the Year award winner.
NBA is celebrating Assist Week, pinpointing some of the best passes of the previous season. Green’s dribble hand-off plays are timely for the Warriors’ offense.
Also, although his dribbling and shooting skills are lacking compared to others in his position, few frontcourt players can pass at his level.
The play the Warriors picked is a highlight you need to see twice to understand what happened.
For all his anger issues and challenges in keeping his hands to himself, Green is one of the smartest players in the NBA. At any given moment, Green has an answer or a response to an offensive play or a counter to a defensive scheme.
The pass occurred against the Memphis Grizzlies, and it nearly tricked everyone on the court. Green pump-faked a pass that appeared headed to Klay Thompson in the right corner, but he actually passed it to Donte DiVincenzo, who was also momentarily confused.
Green’s presence on the court is needed, as no other player has the basketball IQ to match Curry’s all-around greatness. Without Green, the Warriors won’t make the NBA playoffs.
Green only played 55 games last season; if the problematic Warriors enforcer can’t keep it together, the Warriors will surely miss the playoffs for the third time in five years.
