Dubs in-depth: Draymond Green issues a warning to the NBA

In order for the Golden State Warriors to be back in championship contention next season, they will need forward Draymond Green to get back to the player he was during the Dubs’ dominant five-year run.

Many people —including Hall of Famer Charles Barkley— ripped Green’s performance this season, as the Warriors fell to the bottom of the NBA standings.

The Dubs’ social media team put a post on Instagram highlighting one of Green’s best games of his career from the 2015-16 season, and Dray had this to say:

NBC Bay Area

If he goes back to being that guy, the league will be in trouble with both Steph Curry, and Klay Thompson back on the court.

There is no doubt Green struggled this season. He played in just 43 games, averaging 8.0 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 6.2 assists per game, His rebounding, and assist numbers were the lowest in five years.

Dray looked disinterested most nights, and his effort level was rightfully questioned at times. Without Curry, and Thompson, the Warriors’ roster was among the worst in the league, which naturally impacted Green’s underlying numbers.

His -7.2 NETRTG, 10.4 rebound % are the lowest of his career, while his 48.9 TS% was the worst since his rookie season, per NBA.com.

Head coach Steve Kerr talked about Green’s play on 95.7 The Game last week (h/t Ali Thanawalla of NBC Bay Area):

“He made it through, and he is getting a much-needed rest. And I think we’re going to see the very best version of Draymond next year, whenever next season starts. I feel really good about where he’s going to be mentally and physically.”

If The Big 3 are hell-bent on a revenge tour, Green will have to get back to playing at an All-Star level. The 2017 Defensive Player of the Year was a key contributor on the three championship teams. He helped anchor the defense, and was great at being a facilitator for Curry, Thompson, and the departed Kevin Durant on the offensive end.

Do you think Green will bounce back next season? Or do you think the 30-year-old is on the downside of his career?

On to some links:

The plan is for the Dubs to be back among the NBA elite next season. Warriors’ assistant coach Jarron Collins says the squad will get back to its winning ways with Curry back on the court. (h/t NBC Bay Area’s Logan Murdock)

Golden State has a pair of 2020 second-round draft picks. NBC Sports’ Alex Didion looks at five prospects the Warriors can target with those selections.

General manager Bob Myers will have to reshape the roster in order for the Dubs to be contenders for years to come. Blue Man Hoop’s Tony Pesta looks at seven young stars the Warriors can target over the next two seasons.

Comparing players from different eras usually inspires a spirited debate. Monte Poole looks back at how a pair of legendary Warriors would fare in today’s NBA.