The Golden State Warriors have struggled noticeably in February during Stephen Curry’s ongoing knee injury absence, revealing just how crucial the two-time MVP is to their success. Curry’s impact goes beyond scoring; as the centerpiece of the team’s offense, his presence dictates the effectiveness of his teammates, especially his key partner Draymond Green.
Draymond Green’s performance on offense has shown a stark dependence on Curry being on the court. When Curry is sidelined, Green’s contributions shift from invaluable to problematic, underlining a significant imbalance in the team’s lineup without their star player.
How Draymond Green’s Offensive Role Is Tied to Curry’s Presence
Analyses by experts highlight that Green’s offensive value diminishes notably when Curry is not playing. ESPN’s Anthony Slater commented on the situation, saying,
“I think more and more at this stage of [Green’s] career, offensively it’s becoming clear that he’s tied to Steph. … You can’t ignore that, particularly when Steph’s not on the floor right now, they’ve just been performing better without Draymond.”
This assessment underscores how Green’s effectiveness is intrinsically linked to Curry’s involvement.
Statistical evidence supports this view. In February, the Warriors’ offense produced a dismal 98.7 offensive rating when Green was on the floor without Curry, compared to an impressive 120 rating without Green. This difference equates to a drastic reduction of 21.3 points per 100 possessions, emphasizing how the offense falters with Green in play during Curry’s absence.
Contextual Factors and Long-Term Implications for the Warriors
While newcomer Al Horford’s recent improvement may affect these numbers somewhat, the primary issue remains Green’s tendency to reduce offensive spacing, leading to stagnation and less fluid attack options. This pattern is not new, but Curry’s extended absence has made it increasingly hard to overlook.
Over the entire season, the Warriors have scored 120.6 points per 100 possessions when both Curry and Green share the court—a figure in the 97th percentile league-wide. Conversely, Green’s minutes without Curry have produced a mere 100.1 points per 100 possessions, placing them near the bottom in efficiency.
Green’s skill set—facilitating dribble handoffs and executing pick-and-roll plays—is impactful when paired with Curry’s shooting and gravity on offense. However, without Curry drawing defenses and creating space, Green’s limitations on offense become apparent.
Looking ahead, the Warriors face a pressing challenge: they must have Curry available to sustain their offensive potency. Given Curry will turn 38 this March, relying solely on his presence is risky. Planning for Green to lead or carry the offense without Curry ignores the reality of his diminished effectiveness as a standalone playmaker.
