A lot of turmoil surrounded the Golden State Warriors last season. At media day, GM Mike Dunleavy noted how his extending Jordan Poole stemmed from a “skewed” perspective. He was subsequently traded after the Warriors offered him a $140 million extension. There there was the storyline around Draymond Green’s behavior. He spent the most time he ever had in suspensions, self-admitting to ‘costing’ the team in that process. However, he doesn’t seem to think the narrative is sticking around.

Concerned about his history, a reporter pressed Green with a notorious question. Are his teammates  “worried” about him? This didn’t sit well with him. After serving his 12-game suspension, he came out of it with a revamped mentality. Since then he hasn’t been in severe trouble. And with the reporter trying to ‘spin’ old news, the defensive stalwart ensured he retaliated appropriately.

“I’m here. I’ve been here for 13 years now,” Green told the reporter. When it came to suspensions, the 34-year-old didn’t feel it was a fair estimation of the support he has shown for his teammates over the course of his decorated career. “The guideline of getting suspended is something that’s in place because it’s a possibility”. 

The persistence of the reporter only grew wild when he questioned Draymond Green’s unchanged mentality. “Well, I don’t know. I think my mindset has helped us do some great things. It’s pretty cool,” he fittingly replied.

With Green, his passion and relentless spirit regularly have him playing on the edge. But in his career, he has always appropriately balanced it barring last season. In that sense, the Warriors aren’t concerned about the veteran forward repeating his actions again, especially after seeing just how essential he is to their success.

Why the Warriors don’t have to worry about Draymond Green

If Green had only played one season and it happened to be the foregone campaign, the question would be valid to pose. However, in his thirteen years with the Warriors, this was the only time Green’s antics had been excessive. And in reflecting his actions, there was a sense of accountability with him.

Even when he returned last season to a round of applause, Green decided to put a pause to them. It was because he didn’t feel worthy enough for his welcome to be celebrated. “I’ve cost my team enough. I’ve cost this organization enough” he said about his absence.

In showing his remorse for the same, Green complied with every regulation and even attended therapy. When he did return, the Warriors looked completely different. From the time of his return on January 16, the Warriors had the fourth best record in the NBA. Furthermore, the team synergy was off the charts.

As the locker room leader, Green understands how the Warriors’ success can sway without him. And having spent his entire NBA life in the Bay, he is willing to do anything to make things right. For the coming season, even though his aggression remains warranted, Draymond Green is well aware of the lines he can’t cross.

There are several repairs he has made to himself. Having the same chip on his shoulder but staying within the limitations is something he has done throughout his career. In the coming campaign, his importance has incremented due to the loss of Klay Thompson and no other major additions being made by the franchise.

Likewise, from his sense of responsibility alone, none of his teammates are on tip toes regarding the defensive expert. They trust in him fully, which is evident in the way they talk about him. Kerr calls him the “emotional leader”. It’s also a role Draymond Green is likely to take with a lot more gravitas during the coming season.