Draymond Green Emphasizes Reconnection with Warriors Teammates Following Loss of Coach

The recent loss of Golden State Warriors assistant coach Dejan Milojević has prompted forward Draymond Green to reconnect deeply with his teammates. During a Warriors’ training camp held in Oahu, Hawaii, Green participated in a bonding event, a departure from his recent tendency to shy away from such activities. Reflecting on Milojević’s death due to a heart attack in January, Green has decided to prioritize these moments. “No. 1, I love the ocean,” Green told Andscape. “It’s refreshing. It revitalizes. But No. 2, just to have these moments together, we’ll look back on that. Those are the things that you’ll remember.”

Green, a four-time NBA champion, is gearing up for his 13th season with the Warriors. According to Andscape, Green cited family commitments and previous tensions, including a practice incident with former teammate Jordan Poole, as reasons for his initial withdrawal from team activities. However, Milojević’s passing was a pivotal moment. “When Deki passed last season, you see all the pictures of everybody and stuff. And I realized, ‘All of the pictures, you’re not in none of them because you got bored with everything else,’” Green explained.

Warriors’ guard Stephen Curry supported Green’s renewed engagement, remarking, “It’s good that he called that out… To have everybody in one spot, families out here… I like that he was very intentional about being in a safe space.” Green’s commitment to team dynamics is seen as a critical factor as the team navigates a new chapter without former star Klay Thompson, who has joined the Dallas Mavericks. This season, Green and the Warriors aim to reshape their success narrative with a refreshed team amidst their evolving roster.

Green elaborated on his changed perspective during an interview, mentioning how often players become engulfed in routine. “You get caught up in everything that’s going on around us when the fun that you need is right in front of us,” said Green. The Warriors finish their preseason against the Los Angeles Lakers, setting the stage for a season exploring their potential sans Thompson. As the Warriors prepare for the upcoming games, Green remains focused on maximizing his remaining years on the court, confident in the team’s recent offseason acquisitions.