Draymond Green, an iconic figure for the Golden State Warriors and a likely future Hall of Famer with four NBA championships and multiple All-Star selections, continues to face criticism over his dependence on teammate Stephen Curry. This debate intensified after Green’s poor showing in the Warriors’ recent 121-110 loss to the Boston Celtics on Thursday night.
Following the game, Warriors head coach Steve Kerr emphasized the significant impact Curry’s absence has on Green’s performance. Kerr noted that when Curry is sidelined due to injury, it fundamentally alters how opposing defenses approach the Warriors, affecting Green more than any other player.
“When Steph goes out, it really changes everything in terms of how defenses guard us. And it impacts Draymond probably more than anybody,”
Kerr said, as reported by Sam Gordon of the San Francisco Chronicle.
Green’s Recent Performances Reflect the Team’s Challenges Without Curry
Curry has missed six consecutive games because of a knee injury and is expected to be sidelined for at least four more, as the Warriors plan to reassess his condition in 10 days. Green struggled significantly in the latest matchup, finishing scoreless with only two rebounds and three assists, missing all seven shots he attempted, including five three-pointers, and posting a -28 plus-minus rating in under 19 minutes of play.
This marked the fourth time in the past six games without Curry that Green logged under 26 minutes, with Kerr opting to play veteran Al Horford more in offensive closing lineups, indicating a shift away from relying on Green during these stretches. Horford, at 39 years old, has been tasked with producing additional offense when Curry is not available.
Moments of Strong Play Amid Criticism
Despite the recent struggles, Green has also shown glimpses of his value during this period. Notably, he delivered one of his strongest performances of the season in a pre-All-Star break game against Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs, nearly achieving a triple-double with 17 points, 12 rebounds, and eight assists.
However, critics have long argued that Green’s impact diminishes markedly when Curry is not on the floor. They claim Green’s success is closely tied to playing alongside one of the greatest shooters in NBA history, suggesting he lacks the ability to influence games at a high level independently.
The Ongoing Debate Around Green’s Role and Value
The Warriors head coach’s comments have only sharpened the scrutiny surrounding Green, a player who has been integral to the franchise’s success but now faces questions about his effectiveness without Curry. As Green’s contributions appear limited during Curry’s absences, the Warriors may continue adjusting their lineups to mitigate the challenges posed by losing their two-time MVP.
How Golden State navigates this period without Curry and balances Green’s role could significantly affect their performance and playoff prospects moving forward, highlighting the complex dynamics within the team and underscoring the critical influence Curry holds over the Warriors’ overall success.
Kerr on Draymond Green, who shot 0 of 7 against the Celtics and lost his minutes by 28 points: "When Steph (Curry) goes out, it really changes everything in terms of how defenses guard us. And it impacts Draymond probably more than anybody."
— Sam Gordon (@BySamGordon) February 20, 2026
