Draymond Green’s Struggles Spark Criticism as Warriors Report Card Reveals Surprising Performers
A lot has shifted within the Golden State Warriors since the last report card grades were released in late November. Draymond Green, once a cornerstone of the franchise, is mired in an offensive slump, with his struggles starkly contrasting the performances of some unexpected players. Meanwhile, Jonathan Kuminga has fallen out of the rotation entirely, raising questions about his future with the team. Amid these challenges, De’Anthony Melton has made a notable return to the court, while Pat Spencer has emerged as a reliable rotation player. This evaluation takes into account the players’ overall contributions throughout the season, balancing expectations with performance.
Jimmy Butler’s Solid Performance
Grade: A-
Previous Grade: A-
Despite some discontent among fans regarding Jimmy Butler’s scoring average of 19.7 points per game, it’s essential to recognize his efficiency. His shooting splits of 51.6% from the field, 41.7% from three-point range, and 86.0% from the free-throw line underline his effectiveness. Additionally, Butler has managed to keep his turnovers low at just 1.6 per game, playing a crucial role in elevating the performance of non-Steph lineups. However, his passiveness in clutch moments has been concerning, as evidenced by only 23 points scored in 51 clutch minutes this season.
Will Richard’s Rapid Ascent
Grade: A-
Previous Grade: B+
Since the previous report, Will Richard has showcased impressive performances, including:
20 points on 6-of-7 shooting in a narrow victory
Plus/minus ratings of +36, +29, and +22 in individual games
A standout game featuring seven rebounds and five steals
Despite these highlights, Richard’s overall net rating sits at minus-1.8, which has slightly hindered his grade.
Pat Spencer’s Impact
Grade: A-
Previous Grade: B-
Pat Spencer has enjoyed a remarkable four-game stretch that showcased his potential. While his performance has settled into a more typical rhythm since then, he remains a two-way player who contributes meaningfully, often exceeding the contributions of many players on Golden State’s bench.
Stephen Curry’s Veteran Season
Grade: B+
Previous Grade: B+
At 37 years old, Stephen Curry is enjoying one of the finest seasons for a player his age, yet expectations remain high. To elevate his grade to an A- or higher, he will need to enhance his impact on games. Currently, his net rating stands at minus-0.3, which reflects not just on him but also on the challenges posed by his supporting cast.
De’Anthony Melton’s Return
Grade: B
Previous Grade: Hadn’t Played Yet This Season
De’Anthony Melton leads the team with a plus-16.1 net rating, reaffirming his role as a valuable secondary ball-handler and defensive asset. However, his scoring needs to improve as he currently sits at 32.4% shooting from the field and 15.2% from beyond the arc.
Brandin Podziemski’s Offensive Growth
Grade: B-
Previous Grade: B
Brandin Podziemski has shown improvement offensively, but his grade has been adjusted downward slightly due to a net rating that has fallen to zero for the season.
Quinten Post’s Consistency Challenge
Grade: B-
Previous Grade: B+
Quinten Post’s shooting has dipped to 33.6% from three-point range, a significant drop from his rookie year. His defensive efforts have remained solid, but until he can regain his offensive touch, he remains at a B-.
Moses Moody’s Recent Struggles
Grade: B-
Previous Grade: A-
Moses Moody has struggled to find his rhythm, making just 30.9% of his three-point attempts and scoring five points or fewer in four of his last six games. However, his strong start to the season warrants retaining a B- grade.
Gui Santos’ Rising Contribution
Grade: C+
Previous Grade: C-
Gui Santos has posted a plus-44 over the last nine games. If he can enhance his offensive production, currently at 41.9% from the field and 30.8% from three, he is poised for a significant grade increase.
Trayce Jackson-Davis’ Recent Upswing
Grade: C+
Previous Grade: C-
Trayce Jackson-Davis has recorded his two best games of the season recently, contributing 10 points and five rebounds against Dallas, followed by 11 points and six rebounds against Brooklyn. The Warriors face a decision by January 10 regarding his contract, and he is making a strong case for them to guarantee it.
Gary Payton II’s Versatile Play
Grade: C
Previous Grade: C-
Gary Payton II has had a versatile impact on the game, logging four games with five or more assists, as well as contributions in rebounds and scoring. His ability to influence the game in various ways keeps him in the rotation.
Draymond Green’s Disappointing Decline
Grade: C-
Previous Grade: B+
Draymond Green’s recent performance has been underwhelming, highlighted by a staggering minus-56 rating over the last 15 games. While he has shown signs of improvement in the last three games, contributing 35 points and 13 assists, the Warriors are in need of consistent production from him to regain form.
Jonathan Kuminga’s Uncertain Future
Grade: D+
Previous Grade: B-
Jonathan Kuminga is eligible for trade as of January 15, and his absence from the rotation raises red flags about his future with the team. With six games where he was a minus-10 or worse, his prospects with the Warriors appear dim.
Al Horford’s Limited Impact
Grade: D+
Previous Grade: D
Having played in just three games since the last report, Horford has shown improvement. If he can maintain this upward trajectory, he may see a significant bump in future grades.
Buddy Hield’s Struggles Continue
Grade: D
Previous Grade: D
Buddy Hield currently holds the worst net rating on the team, alongside a career-low shooting percentage of 32.3% from beyond the arc. His struggles remain a concerning aspect of the Warriors’ roster as they look to improve their performance moving forward.
