Draymond Green embraces center role, but not for 82

Trayce Jackson-Davis, Quinten Post, and Kevon Looney have collectively started 53 games for the Golden State Warriors this season, but when games are on the line, it’s often Draymond Green who takes on the role of center.

Since the All-Star break, Green has started at the five in eight of the team’s 11 games, reinforcing his importance in Golden State’s late-game defensive schemes.

Despite the physical toll that comes with playing center, Green has embraced the role when it matters most. “I knew it would come down to this,” Green told The Athletic’s Marcus Thompson II.

“But I just didn’t have much interest in doing it for 82 games. Because it’s a lot. To anchor a defense. To play the five, you’re in every action. People downhill at you. It’s a different responsibility on the body. … But if you can’t do it for 29 games, it’s over, champ.”

Green has played 13 seasons for the Warriors. He has averaged 8.7 points, 6.9 rebounds and 5.6 assists in 864 regular-season games.

He was selected to play in 4 All-Star games. He has won 1 Defensive Player of the Year award and 4 NBA championships.