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Awaiting the Draymond Green explosion

By Steffen Pedersen

OAKLAND, CA - MAY 31: Tristan Thompson #13 of the Cleveland Cavaliers and Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors exchange words in overtime during Game 1 of the 2018 NBA Finals at ORACLE Arena on May 31, 2018 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA - MAY 31: Tristan Thompson #13 of the Cleveland Cavaliers and Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors exchange words in overtime during Game 1 of the 2018 NBA Finals at ORACLE Arena on May 31, 2018 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images) /
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Draymond Green has been criticized a lot this season. Is he about to implode or will we see something special happen when the playoffs arrive?

Draymond Green is holding back the points this season. There’s no doubt about that! But, his defense looks pretty much the same as previous seasons.

This season, Draymond is averaging 7.0 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 7.1 assists per game, all down from last season. He’s played in just 51 of the Warriors 66 games.

Is Green just saving himself for when it matters the most? His style and intensity are not compatible with 82 games and then an extended postseason run. So, is he holding back a little bit or is this inconsistent Green what fans will have to get used to for the long run?

Last year, Steve Kerr went public with a statement about Green during the playoff series against New Orleans Pelicans:

"“Draymond’s been just phenomenal throughout the playoffs. He’s been saving himself for the playoffs. It’s a long regular season, especially after three straight trips to the Finals. And you can tell the difference in the intensity from a lot of our guys, but Draymond in particular.”"

This was Draymond last year:

Regular season — 11.0 points, 7.6 rebounds, 7.3 assists
Playoffs (7 games so far) — 13.3 points, 11.4 rebounds, 9.0 assists

And, if we put this in perspective there’s no reason, we shouldn’t see a totally different and ferociously competitive Draymond again.

2016-17

Regular season — 10.2 points, 7.9 rebounds, 7.0 assists
Playoffs — 13.0 points, 9.5 rebounds, 6.5 assists

2015-16

Regular season — 14 points, 9.5 rebounds, 7.4 assists
Playoffs — 15.4 points, 9.9 rebounds, 6.0 assists

2014-15

Regular season — 11.7 points, 8.2 rebounds, 3.7 assists
Playoffs — 13.7 points, 10.1 rebounds, 5.2 assists

2013-14

Regular season — 6.2 points, 5.0 rebounds, 1.9 assists
Playoffs — 11.9 points, 8.3 rebounds, 2.9 assists

Draymond Green was built for the playoffs! But, he needs to slow down and keep the fire under control for just 16 more games. Then he can pour gasoline all over the thing and burn until June 16th.

Green needs to explode. For the sake of his extension next season, he must prove that he’s a player the Golden State Warriors can rely upon. This is how Green makes his presence felt, and much of it will be determined by how well he can shoot.

We know he’s an elite distributor and a top-notch rebounder, but shooting under 30% from deep is something that must change. If that changes, the Dubs will unlock a new dimension to their already elite offense.

Next. 3 reasons to consider signing Rudy Gay this offseason. dark

Will he implode or explode?

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