Stephen A. Smith: Draymond Green Ultimately Cost Golden State Warriors a Play Off Berth

Opinions have flooded in since the Golden State Warriors‘ heartbreaking exit from the 2023-24 campaign. Klay Thompson has been at the receiving end for his ugly shooting night. The 34-year-old had a night to forget with a 0-10 FG. However, in the latest episode of The Stephen A. Smith Show, the veteran analyst surprisingly forgave China Klay but turned his attention toward Draymond Green.

After going soft on Thompson, in the same breath, A. Smith said, “The biggest culprit, and it breaks my heart to say this is Draymond Green.” He immediately dived deeper into breaking down the impact Green made on the team since his return from suspension. He added, “Green got suspended and missed ultimately 20 games… Do you know that since January 15th, since Draymond Green returned, the Golden State Warriors were 28 and 15. Fifth best record in the NBA.” 

He further argued that if Draymond Green had played those 20 games, the Warriors would have found a spot in the top-6 seeds in the West. While concluding his opinion, he said, “Draymond Green unintentionally ultimately cost the Golden State Warriors, a postseason berth… I love the guy. I’m always going to be supporting Draymond but damn. The truth is the truth.”

Up until Green’s return on January 15, the Dubs had an 18-22 record without a place in the top 10 seeds. But, since then, Green changed the functioning of the side. Of course, Steve Kerr made the necessary change by pushing Klay Thompson to the bench and starting with Jonathan Kuminga. At the same time, Green also proved why he is the centerpiece of the Warriors’ attack.

Over the years, DrayMagic has built the reputation for being the right guy to make plays for Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson. And he lived by it, as since his return from suspension, the shooting percentage jumped from 46% to 49%, and three-point from 36% to 39%, as per A. Smith. Apart from that, he also improved the team’s defensive rating to 7th rank since his return. The 20-game suspension truly did the mishap for the Dubs.

Steve Kerr comes in to rescue Draymond Green

Hours after fans took the Dubs for a spin and trashed the players with opinions, Steve Kerr stepped up to rescue his trusted power forward. Following the loss against the Sacramento Kings, fans rallied together and trashed Green for his absence during the season.

In response to that, Steve Kerr appeared on the famous Bay Area radio show, 95.7 The Game, and rested his trust on Green. He said, “or our fans, I would say: Be lucky, be fortunate, be grateful that you’ve had Draymond Green for 12 years. You have 4 championships and 2 finals appearances beyond that.” 

He further said, “Draymond is fighting to be the best version of himself now. I’m embracing it. Our whole organization is embracing it because we love him and I think our fans do too.” Do you think the Warriors will stick with the same roster in the next season? Let us know in the comments.