Predicting the Warriors' perfect starting lineup after ideal offseason
By Tyler Watts
PF: Draymond Green
The Warriors need Green. They won 33 of his 55 games played, which is a 49-win pace over the full season. The Western Conference is loaded with talent, but the Suns were the sixth seed with 49 victories this season. Golden State is dangerous in the playoffs but failed to qualify. Green’s two suspensions played a massive role in the Dubs missing out.
The 34-year-old forward remains an elite defender. He averaged 7.2 rebounds, 1.0 steal, and 0.9 blocks in just 27.1 minutes per game, and the Dubs had a 110.7 defensive rating with Green on the floor. That would have been the third-best mark in the NBA over the full season just behind the Celtics for second.
Green is also an elite playmaker. He knows where Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson are at all times. It is the familiarity that comes with a decade of playing together. The Dubs need him to avoid issues, and they could be right back in the mix.
Draymond Green is under contract for two more years with a player option in 2026. He will likely pick it up as the 6’6 forward will be 36 years old and past his peak.
The Golden State Warriors cannot just completely run it back. They were tenth in the West and missed the playoffs. Golden State needs an upgrade, so they acquire another All-Star to give them a lift.