2 weeks Ago By Kevin McCormick, Last Word On Sports
Throughout his career, Draymond Green has been a rather unpredictable player. As the Golden State Warriors will be the seventh seed in the West for the NBA playoffs , the veteran forward was dubbed a major wildcard by a longtime analyst. After coming up short in their regular season finale, the Warriors found themselves in the Play-In Tournament.
That hadn’t worked out for them in the past, as they entered Tuesday with an 0-3 record all-time. Standing in their way of a first-round meeting with the Houston Rockets was Ja Morant and the Memphis Grizzlies . The Warriors did come out on top with a 121-116 victory.
The win saw Green foul out while playing 31 minutes as he finished the outing with four points, six rebounds, 10 assists, three steals, and a block. As a multi-time champion, Green is someone the Warriors are going to heavily rely on at this stage in the year. However, given his track record, he is viewed as someone who could make or break things for Golden State.
Draymond Green Named Among Top Wildcards in NBA Playoffs Over the weekend, Stephen A. Smith gave his insights on this year’s playoffs during an appearance on NBA Countdown. While breaking down the Western Conference, he cited a handful of players he views as wildcards for their respective teams.
Among those brought up in this group was Green. “Didn’t he guarantee a championship?” Stephen A. said.
“He can’t be the one that messes it up. He can’t get ejected, he can’t get suspended. You can’t do that this time Draymond.
You got to be available.” "Didn't he guarantee a championship? ..
. [Draymond Green] can't be the one that messes it up." @stephenasmith gives his Top 5 Western Wildcards heading into the NBA playoffs pic.
twitter.com/bsWYkDEraY — NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) April 13, 2025 The ESPN host brings up a valid point. If the Warriors are going to have any success in the playoffs, they’ll need Green on the floor.
He is a leader on both ends and being without him would be a massive void to fill. The energy and intensity Green plays with can be a positive for the Warriors, but he’ll need to keep himself in check to some degree. Draymond Green is One of Warriors’ Biggest Playoff X-Factors Similar to the peak of their dynasty, Green is by far one of the Warriors’ biggest X-factors.
As someone who impacts numerous facets of the game on a nightly basis, he is a player capable of swinging a game or two in a playoff series. Between his defensive versatility and playmaking from the frontcourt, Green can be effective for the Warriors in a variety of ways. If the new-look squad wants any chance at making noise in the postseason, they’ll need a focused and dialed-in Green.
Their first round matchup with the Rockets will begin on Sunday. This article first appeared on Last Word On Sports and was syndicated with permission..
