Stats often tell half the story. Yes, they are great at monitoring a player’s direct impact on the game. But most of it wouldn’t be possible if the intangibles weren’t in place. Draymond Green is one unsung hero who has had to field the criticism of an unflattering box score throughout his career. But, within the Warriors organization, his impact is dearly acknowledged. To Kerr he is the “leader” and to Stephen Curry, probably his favorite teammate.

The defensive expert displayed both during the Warriors’ momentous win against the Oklahoma City Thunder. While they did have to battle a fourth-quarter flurry, Green ensured the Warriors stayed intact and organized. He recorded 11 assists, a game-high in a 127-point night for the Bay, the most points OKC have conceded this season.

His feat made him the player with the third most 10+ assist games for a non-guard. He sits in the company of his good friend LeBron James and Nuggets’ Nikola Jokic. While he usually doesn’t brag about his accolades, this left him reminiscing on his illustrious career. “Sometimes I pinch myself… You have done great things young man from Saginaw,” he wrote on his Instagram story.

Yet, Green isn’t someone who forgets easily. Even while he tried to comprehend his incredible achievement, he did so with a chip on his shoulder. In a message to his naysayers, Green wrote, “Let me guess… I only got assists because someone had to make a shot” with a laughing emoji.

The second-round pick didn’t have the tools to become an NBA great. What Draymond Green has achieved in his decorated career is all a byproduct of his dedication to the Warriors. Now, he has become essential to Steve Kerr.

The Warriors don’t have anyone like Draymond Green

With the Warriors leading a dynasty, the leading players often remain identical for most. Curry and Kevin Durant were the juggernaut scorers while Klay Thompson played determined on both ends of the floor. Often the name forgotten is Draymond Green. Just how vital is he?

During the 2016 NBA Finals, when the Warriors infamously blew a 3-1 lead, Green had a case to win Finals MVP. Due to his missing Game 5 through suspension, many felt that to be the turning point of the series which the Cavaliers won. Furthermore, without the adequate depth at hand last season, a difficult season for Green meant a challenge for the Warriors.

In the 27 games he missed, the Warriors went 13-14. However, even this season, Green’s impact can be noticed when the Warriors have cruised to an 8-2 start. While the Bay remains poised without him, their three-point percentage drops to 34.6%, down nearly 7% compared to when the former DPOY is arranging the offense.

Additionally, whenever he records over 10 assists, the Bay is almost unbeatable. The franchise has a record of 99-21 in games when the Michigan product has recorded such a stat line, according to Statmuse. Without Green, the Warriors have experienced instability in the past, and with him, they prosper.

That’s the best way to pin the impact Draymond Green has had on the Warriors. And this season, he has vowed to remain outside of behavior troubles that he admits “hurt” the team last season. Do you think Draymond Green is underrated as a basketball player? Let us know your honest opinion in the comments below.