After multiple games out of Steve Kerr’s rotation, newly acquired free-agent signing JaMychal Green made a successful return to the Golden State Warriors lineup in Monday’s blowout win against the San Antonio Spurs.
Green played just under 16 minutes after three consecutive DNP’s, recording nine points, five rebounds, two assists and two blocks in a productive display where the Warriors were +18 with him on the floor.
After multiple games in exile, JaMychal Green is set to be a key component to the Golden State Warriors’ important next phase of the 2022-23 season.
Speaking after the game, Kerr conceded he didn’t manage Green correctly to open the season, believing that the Warriors lacked spacing with him at the four next to James Wiseman or Kevon Looney.
"“I think JaMychal, I need to play him. I didn’t do him any favours at all, obviously the last few games not playing him at all. I don’t feel I’ve put JaMychal in a good position to succeed in the early going, and tonight he was much more comfortable playing the five instead of the four. I thought he was excellent and he’s a vet, he’s a pro, he knows what he’s doing”, Kerr said."
Steve Kerr on JaMychal Green: “I need to play him. I haven’t done him any favors.” Kerr said he’s come to realize JaMychal fits as a backup 5, not a 4. Thinks it’ll help Jordan Poole as he shifts back to bench. pic.twitter.com/LSkes3omfb
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) November 15, 2022
Green’s initial removal from the rotation came at the same time as Wiseman’s, causing curiosity among the Warriors fanbase. Kerr instead utilized Jonathan Kuminga and Anthony Lamb as his frontcourt options off the bench, shortening his rotation immensely over three straight games.
Kerr and the Warriors should return to at least a ten-man lineup against the Phoenix Suns on Wednesday night, although even that leaves an odd man out assuming Klay Thompson returns to the starting lineup. Jordan Poole, Donte Divincenzo, and it appears Green, are locks to play minutes off the bench, while Kuminga, Lamb and Moses Moody should all warrant minutes after strong performances against the Spurs.
Green’s move to the five should signal greater spacing in the Warriors second unit, allowing the likes of Jordan Poole further freedom for offensive creation. The Warriors still hold the worst bench plus-minus in the league, with Kerr hoping this new-look version will help catapult them to a much-needed winning streak.