5 Training camp issues that could derail Warriors from the start

2. Draymond’s injury

The Golden State Warriors are not fully healthy entering training camp. Draymond Green sprained his ankle during a pickup game, and the team was quick to rule him out for multiple weeks. His status for the regular season opener against the Phoenix Suns on Oct. 24 is questionable at best right now. Green was walking without crutches or a boot at media day and his next checkup is in the middle of October.

The two sides agreed on a four-year $100 million contract extension in the summer, but the injuries are slowing adding up. The 6’6 forward has averaged just 56.2 games over the last four seasons combined, including twice playing 46 or fewer in a year. Could this ankle injury be the start of an injury-riddled campaign for Green?

Draymond missed nine games last season, and the Warriors went 3-6 in those contests. During their last title run, the team went 19-17 in the 36 games without Green. The Dubs are not as strong without their best defender and energizer. The Western Conference is loaded, and Golden State cannot afford to play without Draymond for multiple weeks.

Draymond Green’s ankle injury should not cost him more than a handful of games to start the season, but can he stay healthy from there? Expect the veteran forward to rest a handful of games this season. The Warriors hope that is the only additional time he misses, or it could quickly become problematic.