Draymond explains ‘mental hurdle' of getting his shot back

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Draymond Green shot 38.8 percent from 3-point range during the Warriors' 2015-16 season. But his percentage has dropped in each of the past five seasons, as did the number of attempts he was taking.

Entering this season, both Green and the Warriors made it clear the star forward needed to shoot more and be more of a threat on the offensive end. Green has been more aggressive on offense early in the Warriors' season which allows Golden State's offense to reach another level.

So far this season, Green is 3-for-5 from long distance. While it's a small sample size, it's an encouraging sign that Green is letting it fly when the opportunity presents itself and that he is knocking them down.

Green admitted to The Athletic's Anthony Slater that there is a "mental hurdle" to regaining his shot.

“The shot feels pretty good,” Green told The Athletic. “I think when you go so long without shooting, it’s a mental hurdle you have to get over. I’ll say that’s where I am. But I can shoot the s--t out the ball. I know that.”

Following the 2015-16 season, Kevin Durant joined the Warriors and Green was no longer needed to provide reliable 3-point shooting. To Green, his lack of in-game reps led to him losing his stroke during Durant's time in the Bay.

“A wise man once told me: If you don’t use something, you lose it,” Green said. "Yeah, you don’t use it, and all of a sudden I’m taking one 3 every three games and if I miss it, my percentages go to s--t. Before you know it, in 10 games, I’m 0-for-7, my percentage has gone to hell, and then that can f--k with your confidence."

RELATED: Warriors benefit when inspired Draymond comes out shooting

In six games this season, Green is averaging 9.3 points per game while shooting 59.0 percent from the field and 60.0 percent from 3-point range.

The early returns are promising. If Green's shot has indeed returned, the Warriors just got a lot more dangerous.

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