Warriors rule Draymond Green out for regular-season opener against Suns

The Golden State Warriors will be without star forward Draymond Green for the first game of the regular season against the Phoenix Suns. Green suffered a sprained left ankle during a pickup game at the Dubs training facility prior to the start of the preseason, but was hopeful he could return for the start of the regular season. While Green has been ramping up his activity over the past week, Golden State opted to hold him out of game number one.

Green’s injury will create an interesting early-season decision for head coach Steve Kerr. There has been much debate about whether Kerr will have offseason acquisition Chris Paul come off the bench for the first time in his career. With Steph Curry, Klay Thompson, Andrew Wiggins, Green, and Kevon Looney seemingly locked in as starters, it was hard to envision Kerr making a spot for CP3. However, Green’s injury might make that easier.

At the same time, from a basketball standpoint, third-year forward Jonathan Kuminga seems like a much better basketball fit to replace Green in the starting lineup. The former seventh-overall pick has had flashes throughout his career and had a fantastic preseason but is still trying to find a steady role with the Warriors. Green’s injury could give Kerr a great opportunity to give him a chance to thrive in an expanded role while Green is limited.