Latest update on Golden State Warriors forward provides optimism for return
Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green is ramping up towards a return following an ankle injury sustained in late September.
According to The Athletic’s Anthony Slater, Green has progressed to 5-on-5 work and is “getting close” to a return ahead of the Warriors regular season opener against the Phoenix Suns at Chase Center on Tuesday night.
Four-time All-Star Draymond Green remains questionable for opening night tip-off, but the Golden State Warriors have the depth to compete without him.
There’s been no confirmation on Green’s status for Tuesday’s game, but he’ll undoubtedly be on a heavy minutes restriction should he suit up. The former Defensive Player of the Year will be important in any capacity against a star-studded Suns offense featuring Devin Booker, Bradley Beal and former Warrior Kevin Durant.
However, Golden State’s roster depth appears much improved from this time 12 months ago, with their young players and bench unit impressing to the point where the franchise will remain with just 13 fully-contracted players heading into the regular season.
Green initially injured his ankle when he landed on Jonathan Kuminga’s foot in a scrimmage before training camp. It’s now been Kuminga himself who has taken advantage of Green’s absence throughout preseason, showing he’s ready to embrace a more significant role.
The 21-year-old averaged 21.7 points (second highest in the league), 5.8 rebounds and 3.0 assists in 27.1 minutes across five preseason games. Kuminga shot an incredibly efficient 54.8% from the floor, 45.8% from three-point range, and got to the free-throw line for 7.4 attempts per game.
If Green does miss the start of the regular season, Kuminga will clearly be the biggest beneficiary. Veteran free agent signing Dario Saric and rookie Trayce Jackson-Davis could also see more playing time in Green’s absence.
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The 33-year-old averaged 8.5 points, 7.2 rebounds and 6.8 assists last season before re-signing with Golden State on a new four-year, $100 million contract in free agency.