For the fourth time in five games, Draymond Green will be out of the Warriors lineup when they face the Lakers at Staples Center on Monday night. The issue is with his right shoulder, and has been described as soreness caused by wear and tear. Still, it’s a bit odd that the injury has lingered, and head coach Steve Kerr is starting to get worried at how slowly the healing process is taking. Green has not participated in practice for a week.
“At first, it didn’t seem like it would be more than a few days,” Kerr told Anthony Slater of The Athletic. “It’s a little bit concerning that he hasn’t made bigger strides. This is an injury that would make no sense for him to play through right now. You just don’t want to risk anything.”
Green is just one of a number of injuries the Warriors are currently dealing with. Four players have been ruled out for Monday’s game, including Stephen Curry who is still recovering from a nasty ankle sprain, Shaun Livingston who has a knee issue, and Zaza Pachulia who is also dealing with a lingering shoulder issue.
“Draymond’s not happy,” Kerr said. “I can tell you that. He’s happiest when he’s on the floor, hair on fire, screaming at everyone, leading. That’s what he loves. It’s been hard on him, been hard on Steph. But Draymond also knows this is the smart approach. He’s not complaining. But I wouldn’t call him happy, either. He wants to play.”
This is the first time during Kerr’s tenure as head coach that the Warriors have dealt with multiple injuries to key players simultaneously.
“Gotta be as beaten up as we’ve ever been since I’ve been here,” coach Steve Kerr said. “I don’t remember having this many guys out, particularly starters.
“Nothing we can do about it. I don’t spend any time worrying about it. It’s just when he’s ready, he’s ready. He’ll be alright. I’m sure of that.”