The past two weeks for the Golden State Warriors have been a media fiasco due to Draymond Green and Kevin Durant's verbal altercation before overtime versus the Los Angeles Clippers.
Since the exchange of words between Durant and Green, Golden State has won just 3 games in their last seven-including a four-game losing streak. During the seven game skid, the Warriors have been outscored by an average of five points each game. Three of those losses were by double digits humiliating the Warriors on the road.
If all eyes were not already on the Warriors, they sure are now. Every media outlet has been covering the story and some broadcasters even made predictions stating Draymond Green is done in Golden State.
Fox Sports 1's Colin Cowherd shared his thoughts on the altercation and went as far as to say, "The Warriors don't need him."
Green was suspended one game by Golden State for his role in the altercation. In his first game back, Green totaled zero points in 24 minutes. Green looked displaced and seemed to have his tail tucked between his legs during the bout versus the Rockets.
Green has been out with a toe injury since the bout against Houston.
Cowherd's point was proven for the game but to say the Warriors do not need Draymond Green is disrespectful. The Michigan State product's numbers do not stand out among the league's best. However, Green's impact cannot be listed on a stat sheet.
While Green averages 9.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 7.2 assists, it is Green's ability to guard a position above him and tenacious play that makes him valuable to a team like the Warriors.
Writer for The Ringer, Paolo Uggetti summed up Green's importance to the style of Golden State's play.
"[Green's] play is rambunctious but selfless; erratic, but effective. He’s the most dynamic passer and the best defender on a team for which, on any given night, he might not be even the third-best player," said Uggetti. "His acceptance of that role is what makes him a priceless piece of Golden State’s burgeoning dynasty.
Draymond Green is the balancing force for Golden State. Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson and Kevin Durant are the versatile three-point shooting finesse players-Green is the muscle. Green is the Dennis Rodman of the Golden State Warriors.
Draymond Green is the ultimate compliment to the Warriors big three and when Green has been absent from the court, it has shown.
May we not forget the Warriors unprecedented 3-1 finals collapse which stemmed from Draymond Green's suspension. A playoff run full of groin kicks and technical fouls, Golden State needed Draymond Green to match the physicality of the Cavaliers.
The Warriors without Kevin Durant set an NBA record with 73 wins in a season. Golden State also won an NBA Championship without Durant. Admittedly, the Warriors likely needed Durant to take down the big three in Cleveland but Golden State was successful without him.
Rumors of Durant leaving in the offseason have been long talked about by media and the Warriors may be better off without the former MVP. Durant's talent is unprecedented and has placed him the conversation as the best player in the NBA.
Losing Durant will lessen Golden State's chances at another NBA title but losing Green will expose the Warriors only weakness leaving them vulnerable. Taking Durant off the Warriors would hurt but removing Green would the ultimate death sentence.
The Warriors have players that can score like Kevin Durant in the form of Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson but cannot replace Draymond Green.
SKIP TO 30:54 to hear my take on Colin Cowherd's comments
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