Golden State Warriors: 3 Impacts of losing Draymond Green

By Tony Pesta | Jan 27, 2022

DALLAS, TEXAS - JANUARY 05: Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors reacts after being fouled by the Dallas Mavericks in the third quarter at American Airlines Center on January 05, 2022 in Dallas, Texas. 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 Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /

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Golden State Warriors (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /

A chance for others to step up

Looking on the bright side, Draymond Green hitting the bench has opened a path for other players to step up.

Jonathan Kuminga is the first name to come to mind. The rookie was likely looking at a full season of playing in the shadows before Green’s injury granted him the opportunity at playing extended minutes.

The No. 7 overall pick has responded well, flashing his potential as a rim-crusher in transition and jaw-dropping athlete on defense. Kuminga is averaging 13.1 points and 5.0 rebounds since Green’s injury.

Then, there is Nemanja Bjelica, Juan Toscano-Anderson and Kevon Looney who have been tasked with filling the frontcourt gap. No one other than Looney has done a better job at rising to the challenge.

Looney is having the best stretch of his career, recording two double-doubles in his last seven games and averaging nearly 10 rebounds in the month of January.

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