The Golden State Warriors are in a precarious position. Back-to-back defeats saw the Warriors fall out of an automatic playoff position! Golden State now occupies the 7th seed in a stacked Western Conference, which will only guarantee Stephen Curry and Co. a play-in position. Well, that’s not what the Dubs want, given the high standards they’ve set for themselves since the Jimmy Butler trade. With just ten games left until the end of the regular season, every game is like a playoff game for the Warriors. They will have to win each and every game possible to overtake the LA Clippers, who currently boast the same record of 41-31 as Golden State.

However, things don’t seem to be going the Dubs’ way. They are already short-handed without their franchise player Stephen Curry and now will also miss their defensive stopper Gary Payton II. The 32-year-old veteran has suffered an unfortunate and untimely ligament tear in his left thumb. This means Payton II isn’t returning to the field anytime soon. Well, this is heartbreaking news for the Warriors, who visit the New Orleans Pelicans next in a crucial matchup. Amid this unfortunate situation, Golden State veteran Draymond Green has sent a clear message to Jonathan Kuminga, who will be filling the shoes of Gary Payton II.

“If I’m Jonathan Kuminga forget what everybody’s talking about, forget what everybody saying. If I’m Jonathan Kuminga. Right now, I’m saying GP, I want to guard the best guard when I come into the game. I want to be the point of attack defender. I’mma Hawk this guard; I’mma change the momentum of the game,” Green stated on the latest episode of his podcast “the Draymond Green Show.”

Well, the 35-year-old does have a valid point. Jonathan Kuminga hasn’t had the best of seasons, to say the least. However, this might just be his opportunity to shine. The youngster has missed a lot of games due to a significant ankle sprain and has come off the bench recently. Moreover, right now, Kuminga is averaging 24.3 minutes which is likely to go up with Payton II now out.

The 22-year-old has lost his offensive threat post-injury! He’s averaging just 14 points while shooting 42.3 percent from the field and just 17.6 percent from the three. Compared to the 19.8 points he averaged prior to the injury while shooting 46.7 percent from the field and 37.3 percent from beyond the arc. While his shooting has taken a significant toll, Green is urging the 6-foot-7 forward to make use of his 7-foot wingspan to make up for Payton II’s absence. “If I’m Johnathan Kuminga, that’s my mindset, and I think he’s more than capable of being that and doing that, um, and if he does, goly! changes everything.” Green added.

Well, whether or not Jonathan Kuminga can fill in the void remains to be seen. Meanwhile, Draymond Green has also dropped a massive update on the injured Stephen Curry.

Draymond Green gives a massive update on Stephen Curry’s fitness

It has been a tough time for the Warriors without their marquee player, Stephen Curry. Golden State has lost two consecutive games in the point guard’s absence. These two losses hurt a lot more than they should because of the team’s position on the table at the moment. Curry has missed the games due to a pelvic convulsion that the 37-year-old sustained in Thursday’s win over the Raptors. Well, with Gary Payton II also suffering a devastating injury, there’s finally some good news for the Dubs nation.

Curry’s confidant and teammate Draymond Green gave a massive update on the Warriors superstar’s fitness on his podcast. “He practiced today. Before practice, we actually got up and down, uh, we played a little bit. So, he did that uh which was great to see. Hit a couple of threes right out the gate. That was beautiful to see, and then he got a workout in after, and at one point, I watched him make 27 in a row from the right wing. So, hopefully, all signs are pointing to him playing in the New Orleans game. At least that’s what we hope.” Green stated on his podcast.

That’s great news for the Dubs! Curry’s absence has been felt big time as the team struggled against the Hawks and the Heat. Needless to say, Curry has been the heart of this team. The 37-year-old point guard is averaging 24.2 points, 4.4 rebounds, and six assists per game. However, apart from the stats what Curry brings to this team cannot be measured. With Steph on the court, the Warriors look like a real threat against any opposition. So, having him back ahead of the Pelicans game should be a huge boost for the Golden State! As they continue to fight for a place in the postseason.