Quinten Post keeps making noise with his three-point shooting. Just one game after surpassing Stephen Curry’s rookie numbers from deep, the Warriors’ 7-footer set a new milestone. He torched the Raptors with a career-high six threes, proving his range is no fluke. Draymond Green also delivered, dropping 21 points to carry Golden State to a 117-114 win. The Warriors had to finish without Curry, who left in the third quarter with a pelvic contusion after a tough fall.
The Warriors keep proving they’re built for a deep playoff run, battling through challenges and adding another win to their post-trade deadline surge. Their role players are performing amazing, even their rookie Post.
And Green saw Quinten Post’s potential long before most people did. The Warriors veteran didn’t just think the 7-foot rookie could contribute—he was convinced of it. But convincing the team’s billionaire owner, Joe Lacob, was a different story.
“In training camp, I told Joe Lacob, ‘Joe, I’m telling you, this kid can really help us,’” Green revealed. “He shoots the ball extremely well, plays solid position defense, and he ain’t soft at all.”
Despite Green’s early endorsement, Post didn’t get an immediate shot at the big stage. Instead, he spent time in the G League while the Warriors navigated their season. But as the former DPOY remembers, Lacob wasn’t exactly sold on his prediction.
“I know Joe was looking at me like I was crazy,” the 4x champion admitted. “I told him Post was going to have an impact, and he was still in the G League. But he fought his way up here, and now he’s a key piece in the rotation.”
Feb 3, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) celebrates with center Quinten Post (21) as a time out is called after a play against the Orlando Magic during the fourth quarter at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-Imagn Images
Post proved exactly why Green had so much faith in him during Golden State’s latest win. The rookie erupted for 18 points in 22 minutes, drilling six threes on just nine attempts. His sharpshooting gave the Warriors a much-needed offensive boost, especially with Stephen Curry exiting early due to injury.
Post had no idea Draymond Green had vouched for him so early. When told that the Warriors veteran had gone straight to team owner Joe Lacob during training camp to say Post would make an impact this season, the rookie’s reaction was pure surprise.
“That’s pretty cool. I didn’t know that,” Post admitted.
He recalled the moment he first played alongside Green—a pickup run where the energy in the gym was dialed up a notch. With key players in the building, everyone was locked in, trying to prove themselves.
“I didn’t see Dray all summer,” Post said. “Then one day, he came in, and you know, 2-3 was there, so everybody’s kind of on edge, playing hard. We were on the same team, and we were cooking that day. I don’t think we lost a game.”
That one session may have left a lasting impression on Green. Post put on a strong showing, and from that point on, he had a believer in the Warriors’ defensive anchor.
“I probably did myself a favor by having a really good day,” Post joked. “Maybe that’s why he thought so highly of me.”
Whether it was that run or something else, Green clearly saw something special. And now, with Post securing a key role in the Warriors’ rotation, it looks like he was right all along.
As Post continues to carve out a place in Golden State’s system, the Warriors have been fine-tuning their rotations to maximize their strengths. Steve Kerr’s approach to lineups has been all about adaptability, ensuring the right mix of players is on the floor at the right time.
Draymond Green receives praise from Steve Kerr amid lineup changes
The Warriors, nearly at full strength aside from Gary Payton II’s absence due to knee soreness, stuck with their usual small-ball lineup against the Raptors—Stephen Curry, Brandin Podziemski, Moses Moody, Jimmy Butler, and Draymond Green. Since mid-February, that group has been the go-to starting five, barring one game Butler missed.
While this unit has dominated, posting a +19.4 net rating in 87 minutes, Kerr made it clear that closing lineups remain fluid. “The game usually tells you who needs to be out there,” he said, stressing that matchups will dictate rotations. Still, Curry, Butler, and Green will always anchor those final minutes.
Golden State’s depth allows for flexibility. Moody spaces the floor and takes on tough defensive assignments, Podziemski connects plays as a secondary ballhandler, and Green orchestrates both ends. Off the bench, Payton provides elite perimeter defense, Buddy Hield and Quinten Post stretch the floor, and Jonathan Kuminga adds physicality. Kerr is hopeful Payton returns against Atlanta.
Mar 17, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; Denver Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon (32) controls the Balla against Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) during the fourth quarter at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-Imagn Images
Beyond lineup adjustments, Kerr doubled down on his praise for Green’s defense. Naming Scottie Pippen and Dennis Rodman as his other all-time greats, he explained what separates Draymond. “Scottie was dealing with Shaq, Ewing, and Olajuwon—totally different era,” Kerr noted. At 6-foot-6, Green defends everyone from guards to centers, much like Rodman. But his greatest weapon? His mind. “Draymond’s ability to process the game is next-level,” Kerr said.
With the Warriors finding their rhythm post-trade deadline, Kerr’s trust in flexible rotations and defensive anchors like Green could be the key to a deep playoff run.
The post Draymond Green Claims Warriors’ Billionaire Showed No Trust as Unheard Details of 7-Foot Star Emerge appeared first on EssentiallySports.