For their first regular-season game in nine months, the Golden State Warriors will make their highly anticipated return to the court without Draymond Green.
On Monday, Steve Kerr ruled the former Defensive Player of the Year out for the 2020-21 season opener against the Brooklyn Nets due to an injury in his right foot. Green will miss the opportunity for an on-court reunion with his former teammate Kevin Durant.
Green was sidelined for the start of training camp and the preseason after reportedly testing positive for COVID-19. Although he was able to return to practice at Chase Center, the three-time All-Star suffered a mild muscle strain in his right foot during a tune-up scrimmage.
On Saturday, Kerr said Green’s injury wasn’t a “long-term thing.” The Michigan State product traveled with the Warriors to start their four-game road swing. On Monday in Brooklyn, Green went through individual workouts and training at Golden State’s practice, according to Kerr.
Via @anthonyVslater on Twitter:
Draymond Green is officially ruled out for tomorrow's opener in Brooklyn.
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) December 21, 2020
Without Green, Kerr added Eric Paschall to the starting lineup during the preseason. Kerr could also opt for the Warriors to go with a smaller unit, giving minutes to Andrew Wiggins or Kelly Oubre Jr. at the power forward position.
After dealing with a long stint of injuries throughout the 2019-20 campaign, Kerr will already have to get creative with Golden State’s lineup for the first game of the season.
