Draymond: Kerr Deserves to Leave When Ready

Draymond Green: Warriors’ Play-In Mindset Focused on Kerr’s Legacy

The Golden State Warriors are heading into the NBA Play-In Tournament with a unique perspective, as veteran forward Draymond Green discussed the team’s approach and the future of head coach Steve Kerr. With a win-or-go-home game against the Los Angeles Clippers on the horizon, Green emphasized the team’s focus on competing and controlling their own destiny, while also reflecting on the legacy they’ve built under Kerr.

Warriors Embrace Play-In Intensity

Despite a challenging regular season marked by injuries, the Warriors find themselves just two wins away from securing a playoff spot. Green, a four-time NBA champion, expressed confidence heading into the play-in games. “I feel good heading into the playin,” Green stated on NBA Today. “To have Steph back out there… competitors rise up. And so, I’m looking forward to the opportunity.” He acknowledged the absence of key players like Jonathan Kuminga and Moses Moody but highlighted the importance of having Stephen Curry back on the court.

Green has experienced the intensity of the play-in tournament multiple times. “They always feel like playoff games. They are play. There’s going to be playoff intensity,” he explained. “And when you are, as a competitor, when you’re faced with playoff intensity, competitors rise up.” The team’s goal is clear: win two games and secure the eighth seed in the Western Conference.

Cherishing Every Moment with Curry

Green and Curry boast one of the longest-tenured duos in the NBA. For Green, another playoff run with Curry would mean a great deal, especially after this season’s hurdles. “You don’t know how many we have left. How many opportunities do we have to do this again? So each one you have to cherish,” he said. “Anytime I’m able to take the court with Steph Curry and compete at a high level, it’s been my honor my entire career and it’s one that I don’t take for granted.”

He continued to praise Curry’s enduring skill and demeanor. “Not everyone gets to play with an all-time great of the likes of Steph, especially you then add in the demeanor that he has, what he brings to the table, who he shows up as every day. It’s a really really special thing.” The Warriors aim to maximize their opportunities with Curry still performing at an elite level.

Draymond’s Defense of Steve Kerr

Green has played more games under Steve Kerr than any active player has played for any coach. With Kerr’s contract expiring after this season, the question of his potential departure has surfaced. Green firmly believes Kerr deserves the autonomy to decide his future. “He’s written his ticket. He’s done everything he’s needed to do to deserve to leave when he’s ready,” Green asserted. “I know Joe [Lacob] and Peter [Guber]… they’re very honorable. They’re very loyal guys. And more importantly, they’re very smart guys.”

Green highlighted Kerr’s transformative impact on the franchise. “He came here to an organization that had not won a championship in 40 years… And he delivered that in year one. And then in year three and then in year four. That’s unheard of.” He contrasted this success with the instability other franchises have faced, emphasizing that the Warriors wouldn’t find a better coach as long as Kerr wants to lead them.

Minutes Restriction and Future Outlook

The conversation also touched on the possibility of a minutes restriction for Stephen Curry in the high-stakes play-in games. Green acknowledged the situation but trusted the team’s medical staff. “Steph’s not going to be throwing him out there for 40 minutes in a playoff game having been played four games in the last two and a half months,” Green noted. “He’s going to give what he can and it’s on the rest of us to pick up the slack.”

All-Defense Aspirations and Defensive Impact

Green also discussed his personal goals, particularly reaching 10 All-Defensive team selections. He cited legends like Kobe Bryant, Tim Duncan, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Scottie Pippen, and Kevin Garnett as players who have achieved this feat. “For my name to possibly sit next to their ass, to possibly be mentioned in the likes of those guys, like what an honor.” He believes he has put in the work and displayed a high level of defense this season.

When comparing defensive impact, Green acknowledged Victor Wembanyama’s unique abilities. “It’s hard to say Victor Wembanyama doesn’t,” Green admitted. “I think one thing that I do defensively that you know you’ll never be able to quantify is I’m a positional defender.” He explained his style of deterring shots by preventing opponents from getting to their preferred spots. While he doesn’t block shots like Wembanyama, his anticipation is a key element of his game. “To sit and say today that my defense is more impactful than Victor Wembanyama, I think that would be a lie. And I’ve never been one to not be honest. So I wouldn’t put myself above him, but I wouldn’t put myself below anyone else.”

Curry’s Unparalleled Offensive Threat

Green didn’t hesitate when asked about the most dangerous offensive player. “No, I don’t think there’s anyone on the offensive side of the ball that’s more dangerous than Steph,” he declared. Green described how Curry draws unprecedented defensive attention, with opponents doubling and tripling him even when he doesn’t have the ball. “People are terrified of him and he doesn’t have the ball and he can’t score. He does not have the basketball in his hand. And people are terrified.” He concluded that Curry’s defensive treatment is unlike any other player in NBA history, a testament to the respect he commands.

The Lottery vs. The Playoffs Debate

The discussion turned to whether it might be strategically better for the Warriors to lose and retain their lottery odds for the upcoming draft, rather than competing for a playoff spot. Analysts suggested that the team might not have enough to compete, especially with Curry potentially on a minutes restriction and facing tough opponents like the Oklahoma City Thunder in the first round if they advance. The argument was made that securing a high draft pick could be more beneficial for the team’s future.

However, Green and the Warriors seem committed to competing. As analyst Marcus Spears noted, “Draymond’s going to guard Kawhi, and he’s going to try to have a good defensive night and then probably tell us all about it afterwards.” The team’s focus remains on playing hard and seizing the opportunities they have, rather than strategizing for losses.

“He’s written his ticket. He’s done everything he’s needed to do to deserve to leave when he’s ready.” – Draymond Green on Steve Kerr

Source: Draymond Green says Steve Kerr 'deserves to leave when he's ready' 🗣️ + Play-In mindset | NBA Today (YouTube)