The Golden State Warriors have five battle-tested leaders. Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler, and Draymond Green are the obvious candidates, and Steve Kerr and Al Horford round out the list.
Curry, for lack of a better term, seems very “west coast.” He’s not an in-your-face character who will yell at his teammates. For that matter, so is Kerr, even if things have been contentious with Jonathan Kuminga recently.
Butler and Green, meanwhile, are known for being very vocal. For Buddy Hield, that’s the mark of a good leader. He appreciates honesty and thinks Green is unmatched.
GettyMINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – MAY 14: Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors takes the ball up the court during the first quarter of Game Five of the Western Conference Second Round NBA Playoffs against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center on May 14, 2025 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ellen Schmidt/Getty Images)
Golden State Warriors Rely on Green
Despite only averaging 8.7 points throughout his career, Green has been the heart and soul of four title-winning Warriors’ squads. He is a versatile defender, overlooked passing threat, and a locker room leader.
Hield doesn’t mind Green’s tough-love approach.
“He’s a compassionate leader,” Hield told NBC Sports’ Kerith Burke. “He’s the heartbeat of this team. He always wants to win, so whatever he says, it’s not coming from a bad place. He’s just been in the fire a long time, and he knows what it takes to win.”
Green is known for being physical with opponents and abusive towards officials. His track record as an all-time great has earned him some passes.
“He’s a Hall of Famer, stamped on defense; he’s probably the greatest defender this game’s ever seen,” Hield added. “Because the way he navigates things and quarterbacks things from the back, it’s just impressive.”
GettySAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 05: Dalton Knecht #4 of the Los Angeles Lakers drives around Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors in the first half of a preseason NBA game at Chase Center on October 05, 2025 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
Warriors Will Need Green At His Best
With Green, Butler, Curry, and Horford all over 35 years old, injuries are a massive risk to the Warriors’ title threats. With Green being the best defender on the team, his health is critical.
Not only is he the best defender in Golden State, he might be the best defender ever.
“He’s the best defender I’ve ever seen in my life,” declared Kerr in April.
Unlike Curry, who has the same injury concerns, Green has other risk factors. He is often suspended for fighting, dirty play, or arguing. Last season, he seemed more bought in than he had been in recent years, and the Warriors will need that to continue.
With the possibility of a title at the end of the season, it’s easy to see Green excelling both mentally and physically.
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