The Golden State Warriors have now become a little more complicated route into the postseason than they wanted.
They sent the Golden State Warriors to the NBA Play-In Tournament after losing to the LA Clippers.
Ahead of the Warriors’ 7 and 8 seed showdown against Memphis Grizzlies, there are great things to expect from the 2022 champions.
Another player is in the spotlight as Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler turn over to lead the Warriors into a playoff spot via one of the available play-in passes.
Speaking to ESPN, Stephen A. Smith believes Draymond Green is the number one player in the NBA to watch in the playoffs.
Describing Green’s choice in the top spot on the top five list, Smith believes Draymond’s declaration will win the title and is scrutinizing him.
“It’s Draymond Green. He’s my player of the year. He’s also the one who guaranteed the Golden State Warriors championship this season.
“He put them in the spotlight, he put them on Front Street and for such a declaration he placed them at a high level compared to what Steph Curry normally does.
“Everyone wants to see that Draymond Green is going to meet the assurance he has made to himself.
“We know what Steph can do. We know what Jimmy Bucket can do. We know what Draymond can do. Is he going to do that?”
NBA legend Oscar Robertson launched a notable broadside with Draymond Green around the All-Star break, claiming “all he does is give it to Stephen Curry.”
Greene denied the claim in honor and respectfulness at Robertson, which should serve as a motive for him to make a real big contribution on both ends of the floor.
Against the Clippers in their final regular-season game, Green was able to postpone Kawi Leonard to blow away the potential shot he won in the game at the end of the restrictions, highlighting his defensiveness.
However, in overtime, Green missed out on a critical, slow layup. This is one of the two missed opportunities for the team along with Buddy Heald 3.
Stephen A. Smith is right to make Draymond Green’s spotlight shine. He has to make a big step up into the postseason, especially after comments that grabbed his headlines.