Golden State Warriors: 5 Players Who Will Improve In 2015-16
By Ryan Viera
1. Draymond Green
May 25, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) reacts during the second half against the Houston Rockets in game four of the Western Conference Finals of the NBA Playoffs. at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports
Much like Thompson, Draymond Green inked a maximum contract that will start paying out this season. Also like Thompson, Green is likely going to want to prove that he is worth the money.
Defense has always been Green’s bread and butter. It is a large reason he was able to make it to the NBA. Often times, he was forced to guard the opposing teams’ best front court player, including during the 2014 first round playoff match-up against the Los Angeles Clippers, when Green was tasked with stopping Blake Griffin.
His elite defense was a large reason the Warriors had the best defense in the league last year. Green finished second in the Defensive Player of the Year voting last season, despite having more first place votes than the winner, Kawhi Leonard.
Green’s scoring, however, has come a long way since his rookie year when he averaged 2.9 points — albeit in only 13 minutes per game. Perhaps the biggest improvement he has made as a pro is his effectiveness shooting the long ball.
His rookie year saw him shoot 20.9% from deep. Last year, he became a legitimate three point threat, knocking down 33.7% of his shots from behind the arc. He was a bit inconsistent shooting, as there were some stretches where he shot like Curry, and others when he shot like Shaq.
Many believe he would do well to continue making that a focal point of his game, and to continue to expand the floor. That is why, many believe that Green will be noticeably better this year, and may even make the biggest individual improvement on the team.