People often use the term "chemistry" in sports to explain how a team works well together. In the NBA, most teams play between nine and ten players every game, dividing their minutes between starters and "role players." Good teams have continuity on the bench, and those role players actually enjoy contributing in ways which help the team the most. Casual fans who criticize NBA players as "selfish" or "arrogant" never appreciate how good teams get to that level of success. There are countless examples of players who care more about winning than their own stats. But contracts are not often awarded to those players. And young players are always trying to establish themselves in the league. To get that big contract, you have to put up numbers, whether those are rebounding numbers, three point percentage numbers, or points. Team-defense and hustle plays are not given the same weight in contract negotiations. Which is why it's often older, more established players (between the ages of 26 and 32) who are known as helpful "role players."

Draymond Green is an exception. Throughout his college years at Michigan State, and now in his rookie season with the Warriors, Green is an example of a win-first player, whose numbers are not his first priority. Of course, his game is suited to defense, physicality, and rebounding, so it's understandable that offensive numbers aren't his focus. He also seems well aware of the fact that Mark Jackson is going to give him minutes based on the effort he gives. So far, that effort has been unbelievable. And it's paying off for these upstart Warriors.

For more on Draymond, Curry, and the Warriors, check out this link:

http://darkoindex.wordpress.com/2012/12/12/warriors-looking-golden-thanks-to-currys-health-intensity-and-balanced-attack/

My blog, The Darko Index, is an atypical look at the NBA, focusing on the Warriors, Celtics, and the way we look at the game of basketball in general.

Thanks,

Jonah