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:
Bob Myers says he and Steve Kerr just discussed with Draymond Green the need for him to score more next season.
— Wes Goldberg (@wcgoldberg) May 24, 2021
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.
Article Continues BelowWhile 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.