3 Golden State Warriors that must step up in wake of Thompson's injury

3 Golden State Warriors that must step up in wake of Thompson’s injury

SALT LAKE CITY, UT - DECEMBER 19: Klay Thompson #11 of the Golden State Warriors reacts to a foul in the second half of a NBA game against the Utah Jazz at Vivint Smart Home Arena on December 19, 2018 in Salt Lake City, Utah. 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 Gene Sweeney Jr./Getty Images) /

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(Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

Draymond Green

Ever since the addition of Kevin Durant, Draymond Green’s efficiency just hasn’t been the same. There have been some bumps along the way. For starters, Green wasn’t needed offensively when the team lined the court with two MVPs and one of the best shooters in league history.

He was expendable offensively at that point although he was still one of the most important defenders on the team. Green averaged 14 points per game before adding Durant, and the three seasons with him, he averaged 10.2, 11.0, and 7.4 points per game.

This past season, he averaged 8.0 points per game without Curry or Thompson for the bulk of the season. Green’s still impactful with his playmaking and passing. He still averaged 6.2 assists per game, over his career average of 5.0.

Green has a specific skillset. His scoring isn’t a problem; his shooting has been. He went from shooting 38.8 percent from deep the season before Durant signed with the Warriors to an average of under 30 percent.

He must be better, and if he is, they’ll have a fighting chance.

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