On the latest Dubs Talk, Steve Kerr said that Draymond Green is, “relentless on the sidelines,” as he ranks the PF among the best in-game trash talkers of all-time.
SAN FRANCISCO – Participating in a non-contact practice Saturday, for the first time in seven weeks, Draymond Green aced the third of the five barriers he must clear to get back on the court for the Warriors.
The fourth will be enduring several full-contact practices, the fifth earning final clearance from the medical and training staffs.
Though Green is pain-free, he had said over All-Star Weekend that he hoped to be back in three to four weeks. There is nothing remotely close to a timeline for his return – or how many games he’d like to complete before the playoffs.
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“I’m trying to stick to (returning) as fast as I can possibly get back,” he said. “And be prepared to dominate. I was dominating when I got hurt, and I plan on coming back and dominating. I don’t want to limp out there trying to figure it out as I go. I want to come back strong, stronger than when I left. I’m still a little ways away from that.”
Green last played on Jan. 9, when he experienced calf soreness that was later discovered to be linked to an injury to his lower back. Though he has spent considerable time rehabilitating, much of it in the weight room, getting back on the court for the first time and participating in light drills brought some optimism to the Warriors.
“It was great just to have his energy back in the gym,” coach Steve Kerr said. “His voice. He looked great, physically, and is excited to be back. That’s a very positive step for him and we’ll go from here.”
Everybody on the Golden State payroll recognizes Draymond’s value to the Warriors having realistic championship possibilities. His defensive versatility, conducting of the offense and overall intensity have been driving forces since 2014.
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There is work to do before those attributes are available to the Warriors.
“It’s (about) continuing to strengthen, get my explosiveness back to where it was, or better than it was before I went down,” Green said. “It could be three weeks. It could be four weeks. There’s no guide to . . . how fast that’s going to happen.
“From where I am, you feel that it’s three weeks or so. But it could be five weeks or so, which is why I say if I’m not back in three weeks, it don’t necessarily mean I suffered a setback.”