During LeBron James’ agonizing free agency wait, Golden State Warriors veteran Draymond Green sent out the message that he’d willingly become PJ Tucker -- more of a corner 3-point shooter -- if his good friend and superstar was to join the franchise.
Unfortunately for Green and the Warriors, James rejected them in favour of a shock move to the Philadelphia 76ers. But even despite the miss on the 41-year-old, Green's message should still apply as Golden State undertake a transition year which will likely lead to a significantly different role for the former Defensive Player of the Year.
Draymond Green’s Warriors message still applies after LeBron miss
James’ addition would’ve meant less ball-handling and playmaking responsibility for Green, yet that’s likely to be the case anyway as the team focuses on development for young players like Brandin Podziemski, Gui Santos and prized lottery pick Yaxel Lendeborg.
Head coach Steve Kerr recently stated on The Tom Tolbert Show that he wants Green taking more 3-pointers, suggesting that the idea of a Tucker-like role won’t be too far from the mark.
The real question becomes whether Green is willing to accept that. It’s all well and good to take a backseat role offensively for one of the all-time great in James. It’s another to take the same backseat role for younger players who are still largely unproven in the league.
The next question beyond that is whether it actually works for Green and Golden State. The 36-year-old is a 31.1% 3-point shooter over the past decade, and opposing defences are likely to leave him open until such time as he can prove over a reasonable period that he can be at least league average from beyond the arc.
Draymond Green’s ability to embrace new role may save Warriors career
Both the ability to embrace a Tucker-like role, and his ability to knock down shots in that position, could dictate Green's future at the Warriors and his hope of remaining beyond the February mid-season trade deadline.
Green‘s name has already come up in trade speculation on multiple occasions in the weeks since he signed a new contract in free agency, with Golden State unwilling to give him the kind of multi-year deal that would’ve offered more security over the remainder of his career.
Greens promise of undertaking the Tucker role now needs to happen regardless, otherwise there’s a good chance the franchise legend is no longer with the Warriors in less than six months time.
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