When you think of the most impactful players in Golden State Warriors history, there are many above Draymond Green. Often labeled as the team’s heart and soul, Green has remained a key piece to their puzzle and an engine behind their championship success. Despite this, his complex and polarizing nature on the court, along with his fiery intensity, has frequently threatened to compromise that success over the years. A four-time NBA champion, former Defensive Player of the Year, and four-time All-Star, Green’s legacy is mixed with a combination of on-court brilliance and controversial and sometimes questionable behavior.

The Non-Traditional Superstar

Since coming into the league, Green’s value has always transcended the box score and statistical averages. While for his career he averages about nine points, seven rebounds, and six assists per game, this doesn’t speak to how essential he is to his team. His greatness is defined by:

• Elite defensive versatility: He is an all-time great defender, especially at his size and being smaller than most of his individual matchups on a nightly basis. He can guard all five positions, move his feet well, and anticipate plays before they happen. Partnering that with his 7’1” wingspan and high basketball IQ, he is a nightmare for offenses to deal with and can control the defensive end like a maestro.

• Exceptional Playmaking: With the Warriors’ style of play, reading and reacting, Green serves as the secondary and sometimes primary playmaker. Having shooters like Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson allowed them to pick apart defenses, making quick passes to cutting teammates or finding open shooters.

  
  

An Emotional Leader

Outside of setting up the Warriors’ offense and controlling their defense, arguably Green’s most important role is remaining their emotional leader. His vocal intensity, willingness to compete at a high level, and crossing lines that his teammates won’t have given them life on many occasions, even if the masses didn’t agree with his actions. Some of this passion can be seen in this video on X as Green appears to have finished working out alongside Jimmy Butler:

He is the ultimate tone-setter, and in many instances when the Warriors needed a spark, especially in high-pressure moments, Green has provided it. This includes the 2022 NBA Finals, when, according to ESPN’s Tim Keown, “Green's stat line was pedestrian–nine points, five rebounds, seven assists–but he chewed up the scenery all night. He hounded and engulfed Brown into submission. He stripped Al Horford of the ball in the first quarter on a drive to the lane so forcefully that it appeared to break Horford's spirit.”

Whether through his defensive prowess, a passionate speech in a huddle, or a defiant moment toward the opponent, he delivers what they need. For example, in the 2025 playoffs, his emotional reset after losing Game 6 proved to be necessary in their decisive Game 7 victory.

We all have good and bad moments, which Green is no stranger to. His willingness to cross the line has had both positive and negative effects within the organization. This includes his 2016 NBA Finals suspension, which some believe cost the Warriors a championship. The likes of Stephen A. Smith claimed the NBA granted LeBron James a “stimulus package” for suspending him on an episode of First Take earlier this year, according to Ayomide Adeduyite of Yahoo Sports.

The Complex Legacy of a Legend

Draymond Green’s legacy is complex, especially being an unconventional superstar. Despite this, his presence, high IQ, and knack for making the right plays, at the right times, on the biggest stages contributed and continue to contribute significantly to the Warriors' organization.

Some will remember him as the glue that held the team together while being an unselfish playmaker and lockdown defender. Others will view him as a short-tempered player whose questionable actions overshadowed his brilliance. Regardless of which side you fall on, it is undeniable how indispensable he is to the Warriors’ culture. He is a rare breed who broke the mold by combining his smarts with a will to win that is unmatched by most, which will certainly be needed for the upcoming season.