Gary Sheffield, Jr
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Klay Thompson is expected to return to the first place Warriors soon, and team captain Draymond Green was asked how roles will change as a result. Considering the job young players have done thus far, it’s obvious players should be upset about taking smaller roles, and Draymond addressed that dynamic head on.
“I think we still have at least two games with everyone playing the same exact roles they been playing, so you don’t want to jump the gun,” Green said Monday. “You feel it. There’s no idiots on this team, as you can see in our play. Guys understand what’s ahead. I think as a leader, there will be a time when you have to step in and, more importantly, keep guys’ spirits up. You don’t play this week with the guys we have if guys aren’t competitors and if guys don’t want to be out there.”
Draymond Green talked about warming up with Klay Thompson before the game against the Heat. pic.twitter.com/ynQeJwgucT
— Mark Haynes (@markhaynesnba) January 4, 2022
This is the right way to deal with Thompson’s imminent return. Be straight up about the reality of upset players and then acknowledge how good the previous starters are. That’s honest, and most importantly, it’s what needs to be said to get the young players to grasp the fact that future Hall of Famer Klay Thompson starts over just about any two-guard in the league.
It’s not a slight if they have to take a backseat to the greatest shooter in NBA history other than Steph Curry.
“There’s going to be some pissed-off guys because you want to be out there regardless if Klay Thompson is back,” Green continued. “As a leader, you appreciate that. I don’t want a guy on the team who is OK with sitting on the bench.”
Again, this is the proper message to make sure the rest of the team knows it’s not selfish to be disappointed. Draymond’s honest approach plays a large role in the success of this team long term because he prioritizes what’s best for the group before any one player. Sometimes what’s best for the team isn’t most beneficial to everyone on the squad as an individual, so that’s what he’s really getting at here. Sacrifice could very well turn this year’s Warriors into NBA champions. It looks like Green is saying all the right things to make that happen.
After Stephen Curry's career-high 62 points tonight, we look back at Klay Thompson's career-high 60 points in 2016! pic.twitter.com/RIpJYiC8PB
— NBA History (@NBAHistory) January 4, 2021
Down south here the Lakers have Russell Westbrook. He costs more than all but the big three on the Warriors combined. LeBron and Klutch created a title team two years ago, they ruined the team this season. The Lakers need a real GM, not a caddie for the best players. No more celebrities running the team like Magic, LeBron, AD etc.
Sorry to redirect from the Warriors great season.