Draymond Green was back in attendance at Warriors practice
Draymond Green is back.
The idea of the three-time all-star not being in attendance at the start of training camp was initially a bit concerning but as head coach Steve Kerr said a few times, Green’s absence was excused by the team.
Kerr said the Saginaw product had his physical done and went through all of practice, saying that he even snuck into some live action. “He looked great.”, said the Golden State head coach.
Draymond, who’s known for his on-court personality, is just as outspoken on the court as he is off the court. In years prior, he’s been the anchor of the defense and anchor of the clubhouse.
Heading into his ninth year in the NBA, he has always told the media how he feels and has used his platform as an agent for change, whether it be culturally or within the organization. Warriors fans around the world have come to enjoy his postgame pressers because of his level of realness. You can count on Draymond to give it to you straight, and there is something respectable about that.
As the anchor and heartbeat of Warriors entered the Media room in Chase Center on Thursday, he was asked an array of questions surrounding the state of the team as well as the future of the franchise.
A thoughtful Green provided his take regarding Andrew Wiggins’ decision to not get vaccinated. “I’m not in any position to go tell him what he should or shouldn’t be doing.”, said Green. “It’s your own personal choice at the end of the day. It’s your body.”
He added, “I remember the days when your medical history was private…I also remember the days when who you voted for was private. Your choice on whether you were Democratic or Republican was private.”
Green’s stance is a clear one. He supports his teammate’s decision, regardless of the consequences, and regardless of what Draymond believes may be right or wrong.
Believe it or not, Green’s entire presser was not all about Andrew Wiggins, hurray!
When asked about the Warriors’ front office’s strategy of constructing their roster to both, win now, and also build for the future, the former DPOY answered frankly. "That's the plan, so regardless of what I think about it…it's the route we taking.” Green also added, “Historically, we have not seen that work…but in saying that that’s our situation, and so you do what you gotta do to make that situation work.”
Green clearly feels some type of way about how the roster is constructed, but at the same time he understands what the front office is trying to do, and regardless you already know he’s going to go out there and give his 100 percent effort every night.
When asked about his criticisms of Bob Myers and Steve Kerr in a podcast he hosted over the summer which featured his former teammate, Kevin Durant, and whether or not if affected his relationship with Myers and Kerr, he responded in a somewhat cryptic manner. “Why would it? Was I publicly called out? Did it affect the relationship then? You tell me. What you think? You're hinting at because I publicly said something, the relationship should be altered now.”
His comments may have illustrated the idea that there was some strain placed on the relationship between the three, but that they have since presumably moved on and all is just water under the bridge now.
Draymond didn’t miss a beat during the presser. He was back in midseason form, bringing the same fire he displays on the court to the media room.
It’s good to have him back, both on the court, and chatting to the media again.
(Photo credit: Michael Gonzales/Getty Images)