Draymond Green, the outspoken leader of the Golden State Warriors, is known for his fiery demeanor and unfiltered honesty. As the Warriors navigate a turbulent season, Green’s recent comments shed light on the urgency within the team.
“We gotta do what we gotta do the win games. Whatever that looks like, you know for me coming into the season, I’ll be honest, I didn’t want to play a ton of five.”
“It’s hard but it was working, we’re 12 and 3 or whatever we were. It was working. But it’s not working. You have to look at what works. And if that’s me at five, like I said I don’t love it for entire games at this point but I love to win.”
“So, and more importantly, I hate to lose. So, that’s what it looks like, that’s what it looks like. You gotta win games or I told the guys we all gonna get traded out of here so we better win some games.”
After a promising 12-3 start that saw the Warriors sitting comfortably in second place in the Western Conference, their performance has drastically declined. With a 4-12 record over their last 16 games, the Warriors have fallen to 10th place in the standings, sitting on a precarious 16-15 record.
In his candid post-game remarks, Green didn’t mince words, addressing the team’s struggles and the potential consequences of failing to improve. The Warriors entered the 2024-25 season with high expectations, hoping to capitalize on their experienced core and revamped roster.
Early on, it seemed like they had recaptured their championship form, riding the stellar play of Stephen Curry and the leadership of Green. However, injuries, inconsistent performances, and a lack of cohesion have led to a significant downturn. The Warriors now find themselves in a fight to even secure a play-in spot, let alone make a deep playoff run.
For a team accustomed to championship aspirations, this slide has been both surprising and disappointing. The Warriors’ front office, led by General Manager Mike Dunleavy Jr., constructed a roster that seemed well-suited to contend. However, the pieces have yet to come together, and Green’s comments reflect the growing frustration within the team.
Draymond Green has been a cornerstone of the Warriors’ success for years, known for his versatility and defensive prowess. This season, Green has taken on additional responsibilities, often playing as the undersized center—a role he initially resisted. Standing at just 6’6″, playing the center position takes a toll on Green physically. Yet, he has embraced the challenge, prioritizing winning over personal comfort.
The Warriors’ current issues extend beyond Green’s position. Recent acquisitions like Dennis Schroder have yet to find their footing in the system, and young players like Jonathan Kuminga continue to struggle with consistency and defined roles. Veteran Buddy Hield, who was expected to provide scoring and floor spacing, has cooled off significantly, leaving the Warriors searching for reliable production outside of Curry and Green.
Green has not shied away from holding his teammates accountable. In a recent game, he publicly called out Hield for a lack of effort. Green’s stark warning about the possibility of trades underscores the precarious situation the Warriors find themselves in.
The team’s front office has shown a willingness to make bold moves in the past, and with the trade deadline approaching, the pressure to perform is mounting. If the Warriors continue to falter, it wouldn’t be surprising to see significant roster changes.
Green’s comments serve as both a wake-up call and a rallying cry. The Warriors still have time to salvage their season, but it will require a collective effort and a willingness to step out of their comfort zones. For a team that has achieved so much success over the last decade, the prospect of missing the playoffs or undergoing a roster overhaul is unthinkable.
Despite their struggles, the Warriors still possess the talent and experience to turn things around. Stephen Curry remains one of the league’s most dynamic players, and Green’s leadership can galvanize the team if everyone buys into the process. However, the margin for error is shrinking, and the Warriors must address their issues quickly to avoid slipping further in the standings.
For now, the Warriors’ fate hangs in the balance. Green’s fiery remarks reflect the urgency and accountability required to navigate this challenging period. Whether the team can respond and regain its footing remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the Warriors’ championship window is not infinite, and the time to act is now.