Golden State Warriors star Draymond Green appears to be reaching for Charles Barkley’s guarantee button.
Green made his return to the lineup on Tuesday against the Washington Wizards after missing over two months with a back injury. The Warriors prevailed by a 126-112 final score.
After the game, Green was feeling pretty good about the team’s chances with him back in the lineup. Upon getting asked about the Warriors’ mindset as they try to lock up the No. 2 seed in the West, Green had a bold prediction.
“Obviously, the 2 seed will be great, but we’re not chasing it,” said Green. “We’re gonna make sure we do everything we can to stay healthy coming down the stretch. We’re not gonna make any boneheaded decisions trying to chase the 2 seed. Whether we’re the 2 seed or the 3 seed, we’re going to win a championship, so it don’t really matter.”
Draymond: "Whether we're the No. 2 seed or No. 3 seed, we're going to win a championship" pic.twitter.com/Tt8fPTxLhg
— Warriors on NBCS (@NBCSWarriors) March 15, 2022
The Warriors are currently tied with the Memphis Grizzlies at 47-22 in the standings. Memphis is ahead 2-1 in the season series, but the two teams will meet again on March 28. Regardless, both the No. 2 seed and No. 3 seed will manage to avoid the NBA-best Phoenix Suns’ side of the playoff bracket.
With Green out, the Warriors went 16-13. With Green in the lineup though (including Tuesday’s win), Golden State is 31-9 this season. Klay Thompson is finding his groove again too, and Steph Curry is still Steph Curry, putting an NBA title within reach for the Warriors. But with this bold prediction, Green seems to be taking a page out of head coach Steve Kerr’s book.
Photo: Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports
