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The Golden State Warriors don’t just have roster spots to fill this offseason. They also have coaching spots to fill.
On Tuesday, news broke that player development coach Willie Green will be leaving the team, and accepting a lead assistant position with the Phoenix Suns. The Suns are building a staff around head coach Monty Williams, who was hired a few weeks ago.
League sources: Warriors player development coach Willie Green has decided to accept a lead assistant position in Phoenix, joining the staff of new head coach Monty Williams.
— Monte Poole (@MontePooleNBCS) June 25, 2019
Green’s departure likely has little to do with the Warriors, and everything to do with the opportunity of a lead assistant position. That spot is filled in Golden State by Mike Brown, who has done a tremendous job. Green likely would have had to stay in the Bay Area for a long time before getting a chance to fill that role.
After retiring in 2015 following a 12-year playing career, Green joined the Warriors staff prior to the 2016-17 season. He spent three years as an assistant with the organization, and coached Golden State’s Summer League team in 2018.
The Warriors will now look to fill Green’s spot on the bench. We’ll let you know when they hire someone.