Draymond Green’s Turnover Troubles in a Struggling Offense
The struggles of Draymond Green are becoming increasingly evident as the Golden State Warriors grapple with offensive inefficiencies. Currently, Green is averaging a career-high 4.1 turnovers per 36 minutes, ranking him among the league’s worst in turnover rates. This season marks a notable departure from his previous averages, raising the question: what has led to this alarming uptick in mistakes?
Impact of Missing Play Finishers
The departure of Klay Thompson, a crucial player known for his ability to convert opportunities with minimal risk, has left a void in the Warriors’ offense. Thompson acted as a beacon of efficiency, drawing defenders and ensuring that the ball found its way to reliable shooters. His absence has not been adequately filled, diminishing the overall effectiveness of Golden State’s playmaking.
While the addition of Jimmy Butler was intended to bolster the team’s capabilities, the transition has not alleviated Green’s turnover issues. Butler, although a superior playmaker compared to Andrew Wiggins, lacks the floor-spacing ability that Thompson provided. This has forced Green into precarious situations, where he often attempts risky passes to Butler that have resulted in turnovers.
Moreover, the Warriors have yet to replace Jordan Poole, who was a significant scoring threat. The 2022-23 season saw a diverse lineup featuring four players capable of driving to the basket: Stephen Curry, Poole, Wiggins, and Jonathan Kuminga. This season, following Poole’s exit, the team is left with just Curry, Wiggins, and Kuminga—who is currently sidelined. The reduced rim pressure has compounded Green’s struggles, as he faces increased pressure to create offense, often leading to careless mistakes.
Defensive Adjustments Capitalizing on Green’s Hesitance
Green’s reluctance to assert himself offensively has not gone unnoticed by opposing defenses. Averaging a career-low of 3.8 two-point attempts per game, he has effectively become a non-threat in scoring situations. Defenses are now able to focus on intercepting his passes and jumping passing lanes, leading to a spike in turnovers. Just two seasons ago, Green was attempting nearly 6.0 two-pointers per game, a number he should strive to regain.
While it’s unrealistic to expect a dramatic shift in his scoring ability at this stage in his career, Green must adapt to the evolving dynamics of the team. His increased three-point attempts are a positive step, yet he must also explore other avenues to become more aggressive. This includes recognizing opportunities to score rather than defaulting to risky passes, particularly when driving or rolling off screens set by Curry.
A Need for Focus and Adaptation
The challenges facing Green are multifaceted. As a 6’6″ player tasked with defending larger opponents for extended minutes, his offensive contributions are critical. Yet, many of his turnovers appear rooted in lapses of concentration rather than systemic issues.
In a recent game, an analysis of his eight turnovers highlights a pattern of careless errors. One turnover stemmed from a lack of control on a routine pass, leading to an easy steal. Another came immediately after he had successfully intercepted the ball, as he attempted to advance it to Curry, who was not prepared for the pass. These examples illustrate not only a need for better communication but also a need for Green to prioritize simplicity over risk in his decision-making.
The breakdown of his turnovers reveals a mix of focus issues and an overreliance on complex plays. For instance, several turnovers could have been avoided with more straightforward approaches, such as holding onto the ball instead of attempting high-risk passes. If Green can tighten his focus and adapt to the current roster’s limitations, he stands a chance to reduce his turnover rate significantly, which could, in turn, help the Warriors regain their offensive rhythm.
