Amidst a tough stretch where the Warriors have gone 2-8 in their last 10 games, ESPN insider Adrian Wojnarowski gave fans some hope: Yesterday, Woj told ESPN’s NBA Countdown team that he’s hearing about 7-10 days until Warriors forward Draymond Green will be making his return to the court.

This return could literally not come at a better time. The Warriors defense has officially slid into 2nd in defensive rating despite a terrible slide, showing just how elite they were to start the season. Green is the catalyst for that defense, a “defensive Steph Curry” in some regards. He’s the best defender in the NBA, and his value to the Warriors has been proven through this stretch.

This news comes right after a bad loss to the Los Angeles Lakers, who are currently scrapping around in the play-in section of the conference standings. It also comes after news that Steph would be returning to his typical 12-6-12-6 rotation, meaning he only rests once per half and will be able to stay on the floor longer. With Draymond coming back, it’s starting to look like a recipe for Curry having another late-season MVP push.

Based on Woj’s projection, the Warriors will get Green back either against the Wizards or Celtics, as those are the teams they’ll play within the projected window for his return. Missing so much of the season, this will also be the first time Draymond Green shares the floor with Klay Thompson over the past 2 years. The Warriors will finally be with their full big 3 again after long seasons of waiting.

(Photo credit: Jeff Chiu / Associated Press)