Golden State Warriors: Five Key Moves that Helped Build a Powerhouse

February 20, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) celebrates during the fourth quarter against the San Antonio Spurs at Oracle Arena. The Warriors defeated the Spurs 110-99. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

4.) Drafting Draymond Green

Unlike Curry and Thompson, Green wasn’t selected in the first round of the draft. He had to work hard just to get into the rotation.Selected with the 35th overall pick out of MSU in 2012, Draymond Green has really come on in 2014-15. He’s provided the Warriors with yet another strong, young, piece that has helped take this team to the next level.

Expected to be a bench role player coming into the year, Green was pushed into the starting lineup when David Lee went down early in the season. Rather than faltering though, he took the reins and has kept his spot in the starting lineup every week.

Green is averaging 11.1 PPG, 3.6 APG, and a whopping 8.2 RPG. These are all big increases on his career averages. He is a perfect player because he is big and can get down low if necessary. But he can also shoot the rock pretty well, so he gives the Warriors a third option from the three point arc when needed.

He, along with Harrison Barnes, form a nice second tier of young players. Green gets the edge based on how vital he has become to the team.

There are rumors swirling that Green might leave as free agent this summer though. The Warriors would be smart to lock Green up quickly and keep their young nucleus intact.

Next: Strong Veteran Core