Golden State Warriors veteran Draymond Green has always been known as one of the best defenders in the NBA, while also impacting the game in a number of other ways.

However, despite averaging a career-high in assists at 8.9 this season, the Warriors have made it clear: Green needs to score the rock at a much more consistent level in 2021/22, per Wes Goldberg of Mercury News:

Article Continues Below
More NBA News
The Raptors 2025 NBA Draft class hails from the SEC.
Toronto Raptors 2025 NBA Draft grades for every pickLorenzo J Reyna ·
Clippers owner Steve Ballmer has some newcomers via the 2025 NBA Draft class.
LA Clippers 2025 NBA Draft grades for every pickLorenzo J Reyna ·
Celtics center Luke Kornet (40) warms up before game five of first round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs against the Orlando Magic at TD Garden with the Clippers logo in the background and the Spurs logo in the background
NBA rumors: Clippers to battle Spurs for Celtics free agentJosue Pavon ·
San Antonio Spurs point guard Chris Paul (3) looks on during the first half against the Portland Trail Blazers at Moda Center.
NBA rumors: Chris Paul reunion with Suns or Clippers is a possibilityTroy Finnegan ·
Utah Jazz guard Collin Sexton (2) handles the ball against Charlotte Hornets forward Brandon Miller (24) during the second half at Spectrum Center.
Hornets acquire Collin Sexton from Jazz for Jusuf NurkicTroy Finnegan ·
LeBron James with the logos of every NBA team in the background.
Ranking 5 best LeBron James trade destinations after Rich Paul’s bombshell Lakers quotesBailey Bassett ·

This is a totally fair statement. Draymond is an important piece of this team, but his seven points per game were not good enough. Golden State had limited production after superstar Stephen Curry anyway, especially with Klay Thompson for the entire campaign.

While the likes of Kelly Oubre and Andrew Wiggins are also respectable scorers to complement Steph, if Green can step it up next year, it will help the Warriors a lot as they look to get back to the playoffs. He's already a premier rebounder, too, collecting 7.1 boards.

Especially with Klay back, the increased scoring output from Green would be key for the Warriors. It was a disappointing ending for the organization after losing to the Memphis Grizzlies in the play-in last Friday, despite Curry dropping 39. Turnovers ultimately hurt the Warriors as Ja Morant went to work.

Nevertheless, there's a reason for optimism ahead of next season. The Splash Brothers will be reunited, while hopefully, Green can contribute more offensively.