Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green has responded to recent comments made by head coach Steve Kerr about his position as the team’s starting center.
Kerr’s remarks, which addressed the physical strain the role places on Green, sparked a thoughtful and honest reaction from the four-time NBA champion.
“I don’t want to start next season with Draymond as our starting center,” Kerr stated. “I think it’s doable for the last 30 games like we did this year, but you see the toll it takes on him.”
Green, recognized for his versatility and leadership on the court, admitted that consistently matching up against larger centers is demanding. “As far as what Steve said, God bless his heart,” Green responded.
“Playing the five, it’s hard. Like, I’m always down to do it, as you know. Any challenge you throw my way, I’ll take on the challenge. But it’s hard battling every night against guys who outweigh me by 60 to 80 pounds. And they’re four inches, or six, seven inches taller than me.”
At just 6-foot-6, Green regularly faces off against centers who possess significant size advantages. Nevertheless, his commitment to the team remains steadfast. “I’m cut out for whatever our organization needs to go to. I’m right here, let’s do it. I’m never complain about it, but I agree with Steve.
“If we can have a different starting center at some point if we need to go to that, cool, but it’s a lot and as I get older and older in this league, it becomes tougher and tougher,” he added.
Warriors seek to change up the order
The Warriors’ potential roster changes – particularly the search for a true center – suggest a broader effort to ease the physical burden on Green and prolong his effectiveness. His candidness about the challenges of his role reinforces his long-standing team-first mentality and his readiness to adjust based on what’s best for the organization.
Over the years, Green has become a cornerstone of Golden State’s championship runs. He’s been a vocal leader, a defensive anchor, and one of the league’s most intelligent players on the court. His defensive versatility has allowed the Warriors to deploy their signature “small ball” lineup to great success, but it has also come at a physical cost.
Looking ahead, the Warriors are expected to explore roster additions that could bring in a more traditional big man. This would help reduce Green’s minutes at center and allow him to continue contributing at a high level without bearing the nightly physical toll of guarding much larger players.
As the team prepares for the next chapter, Green’s adaptability and leadership will be key. His willingness to evolve with the team’s needs and openly support strategic shifts underscores his value – not just as a player, but as a veteran presence who understands what it takes to win.
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