USA Today via Reuters
Nov 28, 2023; Sacramento, California, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) talks with head coach Steve Kerr during the fourth quarter against the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Nov 28, 2023; Sacramento, California, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) talks with head coach Steve Kerr during the fourth quarter against the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-USA TODAY Sports
Rome wasn’t built in a day, neither was the Golden State Warriors Dynasty in a season. The four championships they have accumulated took years of right decisions, particularly a foresight on draft night to reach this level. Much like Rome, the fall of this dynasty doesn’t have one particular reason. It is a myriad of little events that could lead to the Dubs’ gargantuan fall. So is Joe Lacob now the Romulus Augustulus of the last modern dynasty in the NBA?
The answer is complex. However, sitting in the middle of this is the general of the Warrior’s legion, Draymond Green. After inking a four-year $100 million contract just last year, he was poised to retire to glory with his core teammates still intact. However, this season has brought about many changes in those expectations and he has been the primary catalyst for that downfall.
Draymond Green on assuming responsibility for his antics
It’s now common knowledge that Green has been the primary reason for the Warrior’s rooster instability, as he was absent from 24 games. This was due to his being suspended on two occasions this season, both due to displays of his on-court physical aggression. In a recent interview with the Athletic, he responds to blame for the Warriors’ abysmal performance saying, “No one ever wants that. You gotta do what you gotta do to turn it around.”
He further added, “I know that’s what it’s going to be. So to negate that, there’s only one way to negate that — play well and win.” This blame came from years of his antics on and off the court, including the Jordan Poole incident, which resulted in a second-round playoff exit for the Dubs just last year because of shaky team dynamics and his recent suspensions. However, with that being said, can Dray alone be held responsible for the Dubs’ performance?
What are the other contributing factors to Warrior’s current condition?
The Dubs are now the 12th seed in the Western Conference with only 21 wins to their name. Various factors have contributed to the decline of the Warriors’ season. Extended slumps from Klay Thompson and Andrew Wiggins, diminishing impact from Kevon Looney, and Coach Kerr’s reluctance to rely on emerging young players during crucial moments, have all played a role. The team has squandered seven potential victories in the final minute.
However, one crucial thing to keep in mind is that there is always going to be one major factor that leads to a downfall and right now all fingers point at Draymond Green. On the flip side, the Warriors’ two-game streak might not look like much, but is a step in the right direction. Do you think this team can still contend? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
