Like the majority of teams, the Golden State Warriors held their media day on Monday to earmark the push towards the start of another NBA season.
Unsurprisingly, the majority of discussion centered around the franchise’s high-profile offseason acquisition of Chris Paul — from the role he’ll play with the Warriors, to how he’ll gel with the veterans, and how he can help develop the younger players.
While the Paul conversations were long forthcoming, the presence of Rudy Gay was a more surprising element that gave credence to the idea he’s a firm favorite for the vacant 14th roster spot.
3 key takeaways from Golden State Warriors media day
Whether it’s Gay or someone else, whoever gets that roster spot isn’t going to be the difference between the Warriors winning the championship or not. Let’s instead have a look at three major takeaways from Warriors media day that could have a big impact on the season ahead.
1. Injuries
News of Draymond Green’s ankle injury was revealed in recent days, with the healthy return of the veteran forward imperative to any success Golden State wish to have this season. The former Defensive Player of the Year revealed it’s not the worst ankle sprain he’s ever had, although their was initial fear it may have been a lot worse than what resulted.
"“I feel good. I feel like I’m improving fast. I’m a pretty fast healer. Didn’t quite foresee this coming into the season but everything happens for a reason,” Green said. I’ve missed the beginning of training camp before. It actually sucks because from that point on you feel like you’re playing catch-up…Essentially use this time as wisely as I can so I’m not totally playing catch-up.”"
Green is expected to miss four-to-six weeks but will be re-evaluated in two weeks by the medical staff. The 33-year-old remains highly likely to miss Golden State’s opening night matchup against the Phoenix Suns on October 24.
Less recognized was a back injury for newly-acquired point-guard Cory Joseph, with the franchise also set to re-evaluate his lower back lumbar strain in two weeks. Golden State will undoubtedly take a cautious approach with the 32-year-old, which could also put him in doubt for the season opener.
If Green and Joseph are both on the sidelines, that could put extra playmaking pressure on fellow veterans Stephen Curry and Chris Paul who enter the season at 35 and 38 years of age respectively.