The Golden State Warriors are in the midst of a tough season so far that was made even more complicated after Draymond Green's indefinite suspension for hitting Jusuf Nurkic in the face. Not only was the suspension warranted but likely necessary as the Warriors star is not only hurting his team but other players with his actions. News recently came out that Draymond will be suspended for at least 3 weeks which will keep him out until mid January but likely much longer than that. Green's suspension is not simply a punishment as he is also going through mandatory counseling as his repeated incidents are something the NBA has grown tired of. NBA Executive Vice President and head of basketball operations, Joe Dumars, spoke on the decision making behind Draymond's suspension stating the decision was to due to his "repeated history of unsportsmanlike acts." Still in the fallout of Draymond's suspension the question remains where do the Warriors go from here?
In the four games since Draymond's incident against the Phoenix Suns, the Warriors have gone 2-2 starting with a loss to red hot Los Angeles Clippers then back to back wins over the Brooklyn Nets and Portland Trailblazers followed by a loss to the Boston Celtics. On the bright side, since Klay Thompson was benched in the fourth quarter against the Suns, he has begun to play and shoot more consistently. Thompson has scored at least 24 points in his last 3 games while also shooting at 44.4% or better from three point range in each game. Even if Draymond comes back at his best, the Warriors as presently constructed will struggle making it out the play-in if they don't get a more consistent Klay Thompson to pair with Steph Curry. If Thompson is able to continue his improved play, it could also help to keep the Warriors trio together as they may look to resign him in the offseason
In the absence of Draymond and with Andrew Wiggins underwhelming play, Steve Kerr has made an adjustment to the starting lineup that could spark confidence in two talented young players. Those two players are the high flying 3rd year forward in Jonathan Kuminga and rookie Brandin Podziemski. The rookie has given the Warriors quality minutes while shooting an impressive 40.4% from three point range. Meanwhile, Kuminga is a player they envision being a big part of their future as he is just 21 year old and an explosive athlete who can get his own shot. If the Warriors can get good basketball from both of these players it could bode well for them now and beyond.
These next few weeks without Draymond will be arguably their biggest test and could ultimately decide how their season turns out as they have very little margin for error at this point.
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