Draymond Green’s impact on the Golden State Warriors remains undeniable, even as his prime years may be behind him. The team outscores opponents by 4.2 points per 100 possessions when he is on the court this season but struggles when he is not. Unfortunately for Golden State, they will have to navigate without Green for at least a week due to a strained calf, as announced by the team, according to REUTERS.
The Warriors shared the update on social media: “INJURY UPDATE: Draymond Green, who exited Saturday’s game against the Wizards with 9:00 minutes remaining in the first quarter due to a strained left calf, underwent an MRI yesterday. The MRI confirmed that Green suffered a mild calf strain. He will be re-evaluated in one week.”
Green’s injury will sideline him for at least four games, including marquee matchups against the Boston Celtics on Martin Luther King Jr. Day and the Los Angeles Lakers later in the week. This development is a significant setback for the Warriors, who rely heavily on Green’s defensive versatility and playmaking.
While his stats—8.4 points, 6 rebounds, and 5.5 assists per game—may not jump off the page, it is his ability to facilitate ball movement that keeps the Warriors’ offense humming. Without Green, opposing teams often focus their defensive efforts on Stephen Curry, disrupting Golden State’s rhythm. Although the recent acquisition of Dennis Schroder was intended to ease the pressure on Curry, it has yet to yield the desired results.
In Green’s absence, Gary Payton II will step into the starting lineup, tasked with replicating some of the defensive flexibility Green brings. Payton’s energy and tenacity are assets, but filling Green’s shoes is no small feat. Additionally, Buddy Hield and Gui Santos are expected to see more playing time, potentially adding depth to the rotation.
As the Warriors look to maintain their competitive edge in a crowded Western Conference, Green’s absence will be a litmus test for the team’s adaptability. The next week presents a crucial stretch that will challenge the Warriors to find solutions without one of their most integral players. Fans and analysts alike will be watching to see if the team can hold steady until Green’s return.