The Golden State Warriors often relied on their small ball lineup to dominate the NBA.
The smallball lineup eradicates the need for traditional centers. Instead, the forward acts as center.
This lineup favors floor speed, agility and better spacing at the expense of speed and post-defense. Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr is using Draymond Green in this role.
Even in the 2024-25 season, Green played several times for center during the campaign. Unfortunately, until Jimmy Butler arrived, the Warriors’ strategy was consistently unsuccessful.
With that in mind, former NBA player Jeff Teague believes it’s time for the Warriors to remove the green from this role and use him in his natural position: power forward.
“I think they have to get bigger with that little ball lineup. I’m a Draymond fan, but I don’t think it will hold up any more,” Teague said on the Club 520 podcast.
He can’t guard (Nicola) Jokic. There are too many people in the west. But I don’t think it can bear it anymore,” Teague added.
In the context, Greene averaged 32.5 points, 14.0 rebounds and 12.5 assists per game during games during the 2024-25 NBA season.
Teague also offered dub solutions, so it wasn’t done there. He believes the Warriors should trade for Nikolavcivich of the Chicago Bulls.
“If they get Vucevic or someone, I might push, like Dan. He’s a capable scorer, despite Vucevic being no good defender or anything.”
“But they got a big backup that they could protect a little,” Teague concluded.
Simply put, Teague wants Warriors’ Vucevic to improve their skills on the attacking edge of the floor. Therefore, you can make the green better on the defense.
Nevertheless, the final step is to add a backup center. That makes sense, especially since Kevon Rooney left in the offseason.