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Draymond Green and Steve Kerr of the Golden State Warriors.
The Golden State Warriors could soon get a key piece of their veteran core back.
Head coach Steve Kerr said he is hopeful that Draymond Green will return Monday when the Warriors continue their six-game road trip against the Washington Wizards.
Green was ruled out of Sunday’s game against the New York Knicks due to lingering back issues, but Kerr suggested the veteran forward may not be sidelined much longer.
“Kerr is hopeful Draymond will play tomorrow vs. Wizards,” reported Nick Friedell of The Athletic.
Warriors Missing Key Leader
Green’s absence has been another blow for a Warriors team already battling injuries across the roster.
The four-time champion has been dealing with recurring back discomfort, which has forced him in and out of the lineup during recent weeks.
He also missed Friday’s 127-117 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves, further limiting Golden State’s defensive presence.
Across his last five appearances, Green has averaged 9.6 points, 6.8 assists, 4.0 rebounds and 1.0 steals in 32 minutes per game, continuing to serve as one of the Warriors’ primary playmakers and defensive anchors.
Green Takes Responsibility for Costly Mistake
Green last appeared in Golden State’s 130–124 overtime loss to the Chicago Bulls, a game that featured a dramatic ending.
With the Warriors leading by two points and just one second remaining in regulation, Green committed a late foul on Bulls center Jalen Smith.
Because Chicago was already in the bonus, Smith went to the free-throw line and calmly converted both attempts, tying the game and forcing overtime.
The Bulls eventually completed the comeback win in the extra period.
Green later acknowledged the mistake on his podcast, The Draymond Green Show.
“Unfortunately, I feel like against the Bulls, I let my team down,” Green said. “Something that was completely in my control or our control, but [expletive] happens, and we got to move on.”
The veteran forward also voiced frustration with the Warriors’ inability to close out games against struggling teams.
“We just got to figure it out,” Green said. “When you’re missing all that we’re missing, you honestly just want to give yourself a chance. Sometimes it works out, sometimes it doesn’t.”
Kerr Continues to Back Green
Despite the costly foul, Kerr has made clear that his trust in Green remains unchanged.
Speaking earlier on 95.7 The Game’s Willard and Dibs, Kerr defended the decision to place Green on the floor for the final defensive possession.
“Draymond has always been in that closing lineup,” Kerr said. “He knows he can’t foul in that situation. I put Draymond in late for a defensive stop. He hadn’t been out there for probably a good 45 minutes of real time. That’s a tough situation to go in cold.”
Kerr added that mistakes happen even for players with Green’s experience.
“He knows he made a mistake, and it happens,” Kerr said. “Going forward, I still trust him. He’s Draymond Green. The guy’s won a million games for us.”
Warriors Hoping for Veteran Presence
Green’s potential return against Washington would give Golden State a boost as the team tries to stabilize during a difficult stretch of the season.
The Warriors have struggled to maintain consistency amid injuries and lineup changes, and Green’s leadership remains a crucial element of their system.
His defensive versatility, communication and playmaking often serve as the foundation for Golden State’s identity on both ends of the floor.
If Green is cleared to return Monday, the Warriors will regain one of their most experienced leaders as they attempt to regain momentum on their road trip.
Alder Almo is a sports journalist covering the NBA for Heavy.com. He has more than 20 years of experience in local and international media, including broadcast, print and digital. He previously covered the Knicks for Empire Sports Media and the NBA for Off the Glass. Alder is from the Philippines and is now based in Jersey City, New Jersey. More about Alder Almo
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