Golden State Warriors forward-center Draymond Green is a well-known NBA figure for several reasons. To some, he’s among the greatest defenders of all time, his positional versatility helping to unlock their most formidable lineups. To others, he’s an annoying loudmouth whose attempts to irritate his opponents overshadow his actual ability.
Danny Green Calls Warriors’ Draymond Green A ‘Role Player’
Golden State is no longer the indomitable squad everyone expects to make deep postseason runs. Frankly, over the course of this decade, they’ve definitely been far more of a playoff hopeful than a shoo-in. Even Warriors head coach Steve Kerr sees them as average.
So, now that Golden State’s golden age is over, even players like Green may not glisten like they used to. Sitting down with former NBA superstar Paul Pierce on Playmaker’s No Fouls Given, three-time NBA champion Danny Green says that the Warriors’ Swiss Army Knife is “a role player.”
“If you put him on (the Charlotte Hornets), is he still a superstar?” he asks.
To be fair, the former marksman does say that Green is the greatest role player of all time. He also states his belief that Green will eventually be inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame. Given that he admits to seeing Dennis Rodman as a role player, there’s even consistency in his evaluation. Both Green and Rodman are known less for their sizzling scoring than dominant defense and colorful character.
However, the idea that someone as decorated and effective as Green is a role player doesn’t strike a chord with everyone. After all, he’s a four-time All-Star, nine-time All-Defensive selection, one-time Defensive Player of the Year, and four-time NBA champion. As Pierce notes, he was a member of a core Big Three with fellow Warriors icons Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson.
Green’s Impact on the Warriors Is Undeniable
There’s no doubt that Curry and Thompson’s combined powers helped elevate Green’s standing. Because they were such a deadly duo, helping lead the NBA into a 3-point revolution, Green’s strengths were more recognizable and valuable. It’s no coincidence that his accolades started rolling in when the Warriors became a playoff team. Yet, while Green has benefited from the Splash Brothers, the relationship is symbiotic.
As previously mentioned, Green’s multi-faceted skillset has been essential to the Golden State’s success. His ability to be the primary facilitator from the frontcourt presents mismatch problems for opponents, helps take pressure off of Curry as a ball-handler, and gives Curry another player who can get him the ball in catch-and-shoot situations. His ability to guard all five positions allows them to go small, increasing their pace and space.
Maybe Green is a role player. Even so, he deserves his respect. Without him, the Warriors may not have ever established a dynasty. And if that didn’t happen, who knows what the perception of Curry and Thompson would be.