NBA: Ranking the top 20 players that impact the game in non-scoring roles

18. Draymond Green, Golden State Warriors

Some love him, some hate him, but you can never question his heart. When Kevin Durant signed with the Golden State Warriors in the 2016 offseason, the player who had to adjust the most was Draymond Green.

Instead of the ball being in his hand, it was in KD’s hand more. When Durant got hurt in the 2019 Western Conference Semifinals, Green turned back to the player he was before KD arrived. Green controlled the game offensively by rebounding, passing and pushing the tempo. In a four-game sweep against the Blazers in the Western Conference Finals, Green averaged 16.5 points, 11.8 rebounds, 8.8 assists, 2.3 steals, and 2.8 blocks per game.

Green was able to find Curry and Thompson off of picks and find open teammates in transition for basket runs. His stellar play was one of the main reasons the Warriors got to the NBA Finals when many people thought they would lose once Durant went down. Green silenced the doubters who called him overrated and a player who benefited from playing with three hall of famers. This season has been an off-year for the Green and the Warriors, but when their team is completely healthy you should expect to see the same Draymond you saw in the 2019 playoffs.