Draymond wants to show growth after ‘terrible’ season last year

Draymond wants to show growth after ‘terrible’ season last year originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay area

No one has to tell Warriors star Draymond Green he didn’t have a good 2023-24 NBA season. He is aware of how he has let his team down with his antics and suspensions.

The four-time NBA champion is determined to change the narrative and help the Warriors return to relevance this season.

Green spoke with Bob Fitzgerald and Kelenna Azubuike on NBC Sports Bay Area’s “Warriors Postgame Live” about his fresh start after losing the Warriors defeated the New Orleans Pelicans 104-89 on Wednesday evening at Chase Center.

“I know I had a terrible year last year,” Green said. “It just wasn’t right. I didn’t play well, I didn’t act well. Like you said, I want to show the real me. I want to show the growth.”

“I spoke last year about being a campaigner for change, arguing with referees. These guys are human, they make mistakes and I try to understand that playing such an emotional game is one of my best qualities playing with my emotions and so taking that next step and learning to play with those emotions, but knowing where to channel them is a big important step for me and something I’m really focusing on this year.

Green finished with 14 points, six assists, five blocks and four rebounds in 30 minutes of action on the second night of a back-to-back. He went 5-for-11 from the field, including 3-for-5 from 3-point range.

The 2016-17 Defensive Player of the Year also helped shut down Pelicans star Zion Williamson, who finished the game with 12 points on 5-of-20 shooting from the field.

The Warriors need an available Green if they have any hope of making the NBA playoffs this season.

Through five games, Green looks like a changed man, which is translating into good things for the Warriors.

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