There’s reportedly concern with some in the Warriors organization that Draymond Green won’t soon return from a back injury that’s already forced him to miss eight consecutive games.
Green is set to be re-evaluated this coming Sunday to check on the progress of a disc injury in his lower back. However, Marc Spears of ESPN’s “The Undefeated” said: “I keep hearing there’s no light at the end of the tunnel, which certainly is a scary thing for Draymond and the Warriors.”
Spears, appearing on KNBR-680’s “Murph & Mac” show, said he believes Green’s absence could go a little longer than anyone expected when the three-time All-Star’s injury was first revealed on Jan. 9. When Green made just a token seven-second appearance in Klay Thompson’s long-awaited return that night, the issue was said to be a calf injury. Further MRI scans showed the problem was originating from Green’s lower back.
While back injuries for basketball players are a scary problem to deal with, there is still optimism that Green will be able to return to the court before too long, despite Spears’ report.
Zaza Pachulia, a Warriors front office consultant, said he’s encouraged about his old teammate’s status.
“The good thing is it’s not something really serious. It’s going really well,” Pachulia said Tuesday on 95.7 The Game’s “Morning Roast” show. “There’s progress every single day. So can’t wait to have him back on the court.”
The feeling is obviously mutual for Green’s current teammates, who are still suffering through their worst stretch of the season without him – the Warriors are 5-6 over the last three weeks. Green is both the anchor of their top-rated defense as well as the facilitator of their fabled offensive attack.
“He’s the heart and soul of this team,” Spears said. “The same way we saw with (Rudy) Gobert’s absence and how much it’s hurt the Utah Jazz, I think you’re seeing that with the Warriors right now. They need him on both ends of the court. But it’s very uncertain when Draymond might be back.”
Counting Green’s seven-second appearance in Klay’s comeback game, the Warriors have permitted 100 points or more five times during their last nine games without him. And, they’ve given up a whopping 115 points or more on four occasions.
“We definitely miss his leadership,” Warriors center Kevon Looney told reporters recently. “He’s an elite player and one of the best leaders in the league. Not having him out there, sometimes you get lost without him. We have to find our roles and keep pushing.”
Golden State is hosting Dallas Tuesday night, its fifth game during a seven-game homestand that concludes Sunday against the Kevin Durant-less Brooklyn Nets.
