The Golden State Warriors were in need of a shake-up after a crushing loss to the Portland Trail Blazers right before the All-Star Weekend. With that in mind, forward Draymond Green lobbied for JaVale McGee to get a shot of starting at center, knowing the team needed a jolt of energy after coach Steve Kerr noted his team has “checked out” and were looking forward to a much-needed rest after three straight seasons of making the NBA Finals.
Soon enough, McGee found himself into the starting lineup.
“I don't know what happened,” McGee told ESPN's Chris Haynes. “He came back after All-Star [break] and I was starting.”
Kerr had asked the stat team to find out why the Warriors were getting off such slow starts in the first quarter, and after a little push from Green and assistant Jarron Collins, who works hand-in-hand with McGee.
“That doesn't mean Draymond and JC have been banging down my door saying we've got to start him. That never happened,” Kerr explained to ESPN. “JC works with him every day, so all of our individual coaches tend to advocate for their guys. So, let's get that straight.”
Green's campaigning for McGee goes as far back as last season, claiming that his constant motor in limited minutes revitalizes this team and improves the flow of a predominant distance-shooting team.
“I just think it was very important for us to get him more time because he offers us a different threat than anyone else on our team,” Green said. “With that lob threat at the rim, that rim protection. When you have a guy like that, it's tougher to score on the pick-and-roll at the rim because he doesn't necessarily have to step up and give up a lob. He can just meet guys at the rim.”
“And he's very active, and the activity that he brings, that dive to the rim, it attracts bodies or it's a lob. Guys can't really help off as much because you just throw it to the rim. We just knew that he brought something else to this team that no one else does, and it's something that we need. It just adds a whole different element and layer to our offense.”
McGee noted there was a mutual benefit to starting the game, having done so in the last 13 regular season games when he was available, and during each of the team's five postseason games.
“I knew he [was vouching for me] a little bit because Draymond has a habit of liking to get the ball to people,” said McGee. “Having me out there is really a good thing for me and him, because he can throw that lob and I'm a threat with that lob. So, basically, it's beneficial to the team, I feel like.”
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