Golden State Warriors starting power forward: Draymond Green
The Warriors kept Draymond Green for what, frankly, felt like a discount. Only $100 million over four years. That can look like a steep number for a 33-year-old with Green’s offensive limitations, but it’s dwarfed by the NBA’s rising cap ceiling. Plus, the Warriors were going to be in cap hell no matter what happened with Green. Keeping him for well below his max number is a huge victory.
Green has his fair share of detractors, but most of them simply fail to understand his value on the defensive end. He’s not a traditional stopper at the point of attack and he won’t always handle the toughest one-on-one challenges. What makes Green special is his I.Q. and communication skills. He’s the Warriors’ defensive quarterback, constantly barking out orders, directing teammates, and never finding himself out of position.
That’s not to say Green can’t handle business one-on-one. He’s more than capable of waging war with bigger bodies in the post or switching onto the perimeter and sliding his feet with smaller ball-handlers.
On the offensive end, Green still supplies ample value as a playmaking hub in the 4-spot. He doesn’t score much, but he’s always screening, moving, and passing with the intention of setting up teammates. His two-man actions with Curry and Thompson are second nature as this point.
Primary backup power forward: Jonathan Kuminga
There’s real doubt about Jonathan Kuminga’s future with the Warriors. The No. 7 pick was an afterthought in the playoffs and it’s clear Steve Kerr doesn’t trust him to be a pivotal part of the rotation. Not yet, at least. With the 20-year-old’s first contract negotiations on the horizon, the Warriors have to make a choice: commit to developing Kuminga or trade him for a win-now piece.
Kuminga’s talent is beyond doubt. He’s still learning how to put all the pieces together, but explosive 6-foot-9 wings who can pounce toward the rim like Kuminga aren’t easy to come by. He hit 37 percent of his 3s last season and the Warriors even experimented with him at the 5 for stretches. His versatility and raw athletic power are going to make him a highly sought-after trade piece if Golden State ultimately pulls the plug.