Draymond Green is being scrutinized once again after some drama unfolded between him and the coaching staff. The defensive specialist was visibly frustrated, and questions arose about what was happening in the Golden State Warriors’ locker room. Some of these questions were answered by NBA Insider Marc Spears, who shed light on what has been bothering Green.
NBA Insider Marc Spears shares the source of Draymond Green’s frustration
Green has been one of the most polarizing members of the Warriors’ roster. On one hand, his defensive acumen, intensity, and leadership have helped them win titles and keep them afloat during tough times. On the other hand, he sometimes appears to have conflicts with his own coaches and teammates.
This time, it appears that defensive ability is what’s causing some friction between Green and Warriors head coach Steve Kerr. Specifically, it’s the assignments that Green is being given that have been a source of frustration, as per insider Marc Spears.
“I’m hearing that Draymond is frustrated with having to guard centers and having guys that are 40 to 50 pounds heavier than him on a nightly basis,” Spears said.
Marc Spears:
“I’m hearing to that Draymond’s a little frustrated with having to guard centers and having the guys that are 40-50 pounds heavier than him on a nightly basis” pic.twitter.com/h5966xV8Z5
— Oh No He Didn’t (@ohnohedidnt24) December 23, 2025
Green’s official listed height is 6-foot-6, and he weighs 230 pounds. Even against small-ball lineups, he is considered undersized against centers who are typically 6-foot-11 or taller and usually weigh closer to 300 lbs.
The Warriors do have other centers, specifically Al Horford and Trayce Jackson-Davis, but their availability has left Green to hold down the post.
Horford, whom the Warriors signed this past offseason, has missed more games than he’s played. Out of the 30 that the team has played, the 39-year-old center has suited up in only 13. His repeated absences have been due to a myriad of injuries that can be expected from a veteran who’s been in the league for 19 seasons.
Jackson-Davis’ playing time has also been quite limited, having suited up for an average of 12.9 minutes per game through 20 contests.
There’s also Quinten Post, who is officially listed as a 7-footer. While he is formally listed as a 7-footer, he spends most nights starting alongside Green, guarding other guys.
Green has established himself as an elite defensive stopper. He has even been recognized with multiple All-Defensive Team selections, as well as a Defensive Player of the Year award in 2017.
He has always been a switchable defender who can guard positions one through five. However, consistently guarding the tallest guy on the opposing team was not a nightly assignment for him.
The Warriors have an opportunity to address Green’s frustration by moving some pieces ahead of the trade deadline. However, this is just one of their problems as a squad, and they’ll need to decide which ones are a priority as they begin exploring the trade market.
