Golden State Warriors player Draymond Green has been enjoying his offseason, taking shots at the Phoenix Suns and their general manager, James Jones. Jones had expressed a focus on maximizing superstar Kevin Durant, which Green took offense to because Durant found his only postseason success with the Warriors. Green criticized Jones for not maximizing Durant during his time with the Suns and advised him to improve by getting a point guard, putting Durant in positions to score, and alleviating some of the weight off his shoulders. Green emphasized the importance of studying film on Durant’s successful tenure with the Warriors to truly maximize his potential.
During Durant’s time with the Warriors, they won back-to-back NBA Finals and Durant was awarded Finals MVP. In contrast, Durant appeared in one NBA Finals with the Oklahoma City Thunder, where they lost. Green expressed his confusion with Jones’ comments about maximizing Durant, given his experience with Durant during their time with the Warriors. Green highlighted the importance of studying film on Durant’s success in Golden State to understand how to elevate his performance in a new team like the Suns. Green’s advice to Jones was to focus on getting a point guard and putting Durant in positions to score more effectively.
Durant’s stats have remained impressive since leaving the Warriors, averaging 27.1 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 5.0 assists per game. Despite his torn Achilles injury in the 2019 NBA Finals, Durant continues to perform at a high level. Green pointed out that the Suns may need to improve their approach to maximizing Durant if they want to keep him on the team. Speculation has arisen about Durant potentially returning to the Warriors, where he experienced the most team success in his career. If Jones wants Durant to stay with the Suns, Green advises him to study Durant’s success with the Warriors to understand how to maximize his talent.
Green reflected on the Warriors’ ability to maximize Durant during his tenure with the team, highlighting their successful track record in the NBA Finals. The injuries to Durant and Klay Thompson in the 2019 NBA Finals impacted the Warriors’ three-peat efforts, but Durant’s performance remained stellar throughout his time with the team. Green emphasized the importance of understanding Durant’s success with the Warriors to replicate that level of performance elsewhere. Durant’s consistent All-Star appearances and impressive statistics demonstrate his enduring excellence, prompting discussions about his potential return to the Warriors for continued success.
In conclusion, Green’s comments on maximizing Durant shed light on the challenges faced by the Suns in utilizing Durant’s talents effectively. By studying the Warriors’ approach to maximizing Durant, the Suns and Jones could learn valuable lessons on elevating Durant’s performance in their team. Durant’s stellar statistics and track record of success underscore the importance of optimizing his talents to achieve team success. Green’s advice to Jones highlights the significance of strategic positioning, supporting roles, and studying successful team dynamics to unlock Durant’s full potential. As the offseason progresses, Durant’s future and potential return to the Warriors remain intriguing topics, as teams seek to maximize his exceptional talents for continued success in the NBA.
