The Warriors felt Draymond Green's absence in each of their two losses to begin the 2020-21 season, and it wouldn't be surprising if his return to the lineup brought about a significant improvement in the team's performance. Coach Steve Kerr was hopeful that he would be able to play at some point during the team's season-opening road trip, which concludes with games against the Chicago Bulls and Detroit Pistons on Sunday and Tuesday, respectively.
It's definitely possible that Green plays in one or both of those games, but he has yet to receive the green light. He practiced again Saturday, and while the former NBA Defensive Player of the Year wants to play against the Bulls, he explained afterward that it's not solely up to him.
"I want to," Green told reporters after practice. "I'm gonna talk with Coach Kerr. I scrimmaged today and that was great. Just gotta get my wind back. It's somewhere in Hell ... but I feel great other than my wind."
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Green was delayed in joining Warriors training camp due to COVID-19 protocols, and sustained a mild foot strain shortly thereafter that kept him out of Golden State's entire preseason slate. He has been ramping up over the last week, but it's easy to understand why he might not yet be in game shape. Of course, there's really only one way to find out.
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The Bulls and Pistons are unlikely to present anywhere near as great of a challenge as the Brooklyn Nets and Milwaukee Bucks did, but there's no question the Warriors would prefer to have Green in tow as they attempt to get their first win(s) of the season.
