Golden State Warriors veteran Draymond Green has learned a lot over the course of his 14-year NBA career as he revealed in a recent article from ESPN's Anthony Slater. While he has gained some maturity, it seems like it may have come too late.
In the article, Green talks about how he has been tempted to lose his cool at times this season, but has realized that an outburst at a ref or opponent is not what the team needs. Some may laugh at that since Green has been plenty fiery this season, yet it does seem that he is resigned to the fact that he can't act out the way he has in the past.
Draymond Green's Warriors realization likely comes too late
With how much adversity the Warriors have faced this season and especially with injuries, that sort of stuff is just not going to help the team. Green made it clear that he still feels that edge and fire he plays with is essential, stating, "by the way, just so we're clear, that's a very elite piece of me."
But the Warriors need him on the floor probably more than ever with all the injuries. Even though Green has struggled at times this season and his future with the team is very much in question, he provides a veteran presence that Golden State needs as it leans on a lot of young, unproven players.
Getting a technical or an ejection may have fired the team up in past years, but now it would just leave an already banged-up team far too undermanned to be at all competitive. It's a shame that it has taken him this long to learn that lesson, though. Maybe if Green knew how to calibrate his fire better Warriors history could be a lot different.
What if he hadn't been so wild with his kicking in the 2016 playoffs and didn't get suspended for Game 5 of the Finals against the Cleveland Cavaliers? What if he hadn't taken that swing at Jordan Poole in practice? Perhaps the Dubs would have another ring or two.
Of course, one could argue that maybe the Warriors don't win any championships without the fire that Green brings to the floor. His energy and ability to get into the head of his opponents is a huge part of his game.
At least he's now learning how to tone things down a bit. Better late than never, but one can't help but wonder how things might have been different in the past if he had his newfound perspective.