Draymond Green Is The Heartbeat Of The Golden State Warriors

Draymond Green is the heart and soul of the Golden State Warriors. He’s a catalyst for success and one of the toughest players in the entire NBA.

More from Golden State Warriors

• Warriors unlikely to draft Anthony Edwards due to character concerns
• Warriors: September minicamp mimics NBA bubble
• Warriors: Eric Paschall named to NBA All-Rookie first team
• Warriors reportedly eyeing a wing in the 2020 NBA Draft
• Warriors: Is the team destined to trade its No. 2 overall draft pick?

Golden State didn’t sign Green to a big contract extension on a whim after winning a championship last season. The team knew exactly what Green would bring to the court every day. His fundamental techniques aren’t flawless like Stephen Curry, but Green brings something equally as important to this nearly perfect Warriors team.

Draymond Green has established himself as an intimidating force around the league. Therefore, his performances are usually a showcase of furious and aggressive basketball.

His style creates such a perfect contrast to Curry’s finesse-driven approach. Based on overall performance, Curry is definitely the favorite to win the NBA’s Most Valuable Player award this season. Who would have ever guessed that Curry’s three point shooting ability would be deadlier now than it was last year? Plus, he always finds a way to make clutch shots, and Curry is the main reason this team is so hot right now.

However, the play of Green carries the Warriors through the tough, physical battles. During Golden State’s historic winning steak, Green took his performances to a new level. He recently achieved a triple-double in back-to-back games. On November 28th against the Sacramento Kings, Green had 13 points, 12 assists, and 11 rebounds after recording 14 points, ten assists, and ten rebounds against the Suns the night before.

More from Golden Gate Sports

• Raiders: Rookie stock report following Week 3 performance
• 49ers sign new long snapper amidst a flurry of roster moves
• Oakland Athletics win Game 2 of Wild Card round with late-inning drama
• 49ers: George Kittle and Deebo Samuel cleared to return to practice
• 49ers expected to place DE Dee Ford on injured reserve

Without a doubt, Green is among the top 10 best players in the league, and he is on track to win the defensive player of the year award. He obviously doesn’t hit as many threes or fool as many defenders as Curry, but Green explodes with energy in every aspect of the game.

It might be surprising to some that Green, rather than Curry, is the current assist leader of the Warriors. Green is also averaging more than eight rebounds each game. It’s safe to say that the Warriors made a smart investment by paying Green big money.

During the offseason, there was speculation that Green would leave the Warriors for new opportunities. However, he probably wouldn’t be as effective of a player on other teams. Yes, Green is great, but he is far from perfect. The way he meshes with the Warriors is the main reason that he plays so well with them.

This Golden State Warriors team has been playing nearly perfect basketball this season. It is the depth and layers of this group that makes this success possible. Every single Warrior on the floor plays hard, and their differing strengths make it impossible for opponents to defend them successfully.

Guys like Curry and Klay Thompson bring quickness and sharp-shooting. Their ability is only enhanced by the fact that Green outworks every player on the opposing teams. Think back to last season’s NBA Finals. LeBron James looked increasingly sluggish as the games progressed, but Green’s intensity became stronger when the Warriors needed him the most.

Green is another reason why the “rivalry” between the Warriors and Clippers has become a hot subject. Honestly, Green’s intensity scares “tough” guys like Blake Griffin and Chris Paul. The Clippers show glimpses of success against the Warriors, but Green keeps pushing until he breaks teams like the Clippers.

Next: Is Stephen Curry the Best Player in the NBA?

Nobody in the league can match the toughness that Draymond Green brings to the court. He’s a gritty player who knows what it takes to win games in the NBA. Perhaps the best part about Green is that he still plays with a chip on his shoulder. His all-around ability was criticized when he entered the NBA and Green uses that as motivation to play harder and tougher than everyone he faces.

Harrison Barnes will be sidelined temporarily with an injury, so Green could see more opportunities to take the ball to the basket. It will be interesting to see how Green progresses throughout what is so far, a historic season for the Warriors.