Draymond Green has missed the last six games for the Golden State Warriors and it looks like he is going to miss a few more as it will be two weeks before Green is re-evaluated.
The former Defensive Player of the Year injured his calf late against Dallas and has since been sidelined. Golden State has gone 2-4 in his absence.
Draymond Green injury update: pic.twitter.com/TiFYe9VUow
— Warriors PR (@WarriorsPR) January 16, 2022
The return of Klay Thompson has been dampened by the loss of not only Green but Stephen Curry, as well, who is currently nurturing a hand injury. Steve Kerr is hopeful Curry will be back soon.
The Golden State Warriors will have to keep themselves above water while they wait for Draymond Green to return from a calf injury.
Draymond is the heart and soul of Warriors basketball. He commands the defense and is in charge of ensuring each player is accounted for on offense with his elite playmaking.
Without Green, the Dubs face the tall task of replacing the league’s best defender and perhaps most underrated distributor. This gap will not be filled on such short notice and the Dubs’ recent record reflects the void that is left in their rotation.
Jonathan Kuminga has risen
With just two games separating the Warriors from first and third place, where they end up is going to be determined in large part by who can step up.
One name that has emerged as a potential suitor is Jonathan Kuminga. The rookie had the best game of his young career against Chicago with 25 points on 10-of-12 shooting. He followed this up with 19 points and 7 rebounds in Minnesota.
Kuminga is raw as a prospect but he’s already flaunted his skills as a slasher and defender. He is nowhere near the playmaker that Green is but the rookie can provide some useful contributions during this stretch.
Coast is clearing
Thankfully, Golden State can look forward to an easier schedule in the coming weeks. They play seven straight games at home, starting on Tuesday against the 10-32 Detroit Pistons.
During their homestand, the Warriors will compete against other lottery teams such as the Indiana Pacers and Houston Rockets before facing more formidable opponents like the third-seeded Utah Jazz, the Dallas Mavericks and Brooklyn Nets (who will likely be without Kevin Durant).
They then break clear with four games against lottery teams (Houston, San Antonio, Sacramento and Oklahoma City). By then, Green will be approaching his return while the All-Star Break ensures the proper time for recovery.