Center position struggles
On opening night of his 15th NBA season, Draymond Green was slotted as the Golden State Warriors starting center. The staff gave Green a physical reprieve two nights later against the Memphis Grizzlies, but circumstances forced Golden State to start Graham Ike, a two-way undrafted center out of Gonzaga, in his second career game. That still left Green out there trying to box out the 7-4 Zach Edey. Green committed a frustration foul while the Warriors blew a 12-point lead and fell to 0-2 for the first time since 2020-21.
We got what we got, Green said when asked about the eroded state of the Warriors center position, so we gotta make it do what it do. The Warriors feel part of the reason for their 37-45 failure a season ago was due to a woe-is-me attitude about the schedule and injuries, so they have taken a no-excuse approach this regular season. That meant an out-of-sight strategy regarding the ongoing absence of presumed starting center Kristaps Porzingis, who was re-signed this summer despite missing 90 games over the past two seasons.
The absence of Porzingis
Ever since Porzingis called out of work one day prior to training camp, the front office instructed Steve Kerr to prep his team as if Porzingis was a non-factor. General manager Mike Dunleavy and lead medical decision maker Rick Celebrini are the only members of staff who have communicated with Porzingis during his absence. Kerr has bristled at nearly every Porzingis question in recent weeks, stating he does not have anything else to add.
Team sources continue to express an extreme level of pessimism that Porzingis will ever play for the Warriors again. However, he could end up helping the organization in another way, because his contract is only guaranteed for $3 million next season, which could still prove to be valuable in executing a trade. Porzingis called Dunleavy and stepped away from the team on the eve of training camp to deal with a private health matter.
Predictions for these teams
Read next
- Football predictions today
- Jackpot predictions this week
- NBA and every other league
- NBA official website
Good to know: We are not paid for any link on this page.
Be the first to comment
Tell us who you think wins and why. Keep it friendly. Links are removed on their own.
Note: comments are the writer own opinion, not ours, and never a tip from us.
18+Read this before you bet
- There are no sure bets. Every tip on this page is a chance worked out from data about the next game. A tip at 70 percent still loses about three times in ten. Anyone selling a sure bet or a fixed match is lying.
- Betting is not income. Never bet to pay rent, school fees or a loan, and never borrow to bet, including from mobile loan apps.
- 18 and over only. Betting under 18 is illegal in Kenya.
- Use licensed bookmakers. Only bet with operators licensed by the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Kenya. Prices here can change before you bet, so check them first.
- Gambling can be addictive. If it stops being fun, stop. Read our responsible betting page or visit Responsible Gaming Federation of Kenya.
Good to know: We are not a bookmaker and we do not take bets. Full details are in our disclaimer.
