Draymond Green Returns to Practice
After weeks of missing him on the court due to back issues, Draymond Green was seen returning to practice with the Golden State Warriors earlier today. Green was out with a disc injury in his lower back, which was initially diagnosed as a calf issue but later discovered to be something else because of the interconnectivity between the lower body elements.
Green looked solid in today’s practice, although it was confirmed by Steve Kerr that he was only running 5-on-0 drills and did not participate in the full contact scrimmage. He was still able to get mobile, working on slipping pick-and-rolls. He didn’t throw down any dunks, but his motions were fluid:
Dray also got some opportunity to work on his jump shot, which did not show any hitches or signs of noticeable injury. At this point, it’s most likely he’s taking precautions rather than feeling extensive pain. It was reported earlier in the month that Green was feeling good and had made progress with his trainer, as can be seen here:
Teammates have been optimistic about his return and how he’s already bringing the energy back to practice. Center Kevon Looney seemed happy to have Green back, noting his presence on the floor was as loud and energizing as ever.
Green himself has also been optimistic about his return, telling reporters after practice that he was working to get back to the “dominant” run he was having this season, especially on the defensive end:
With Green still recovering and Andre Iguodala out with injuries of his own, the playmaking duties have fallen largely to Steph Curry, who put up a 14-assist night in the squad’s first game back from the All-Star Break. While Curry seemed to be getting back into rhythm with his explosive performance to win him the ASG MVP, he likely won’t be focused on just shooting until Green is able to get back, instead taking on a more traditional point guard role.
The losses the team has suffered in the stretch without Green has shown his value to be more obvious than it was prior, with the Warriors’ offense having its own issues getting going without his playmaking. The defense has been solid, but Green’s value has been clear in the lapses the team has had. The hope is to have him back before the end of the month, and with James Wiseman also set to return soon, the Warriors could be back at full strength just in time for the season’s home stretch.
(Photo credit: Thearon W. Henderson / Getty Images)