The wait is almost over. After nearly a month on the sidelines, Draymond Green is getting closer to a return any day now. While the discourse around his suspension has been endless, the hope is that he has turned a new leaf. Soon after the news of his comeback became official, former Golden State Warriors player Matt Barnes took to Instagram to welcome him back. What followed was a short, but sweet, exchange between the former teammates.

“Welcome back bro” was the simple message Barnes sent across. Draymond was grateful in his reply, “Appreciate it bro,” with the praying hands emoji. As a notorious trash-talker himself, Matt Barnes can best understand the dilemma Green is going through. As a result, he might be one of the few with any sympathy left for his fellow Warrior. But, he isn’t the only one.

Shaquille O’Neal has made it a point to defend the 4x NBA Champion at every turn, claiming that he doesn’t require therapy. Recently, another former teammate, DeMarcus Cousins, offered similar defenses for the 2x Defensive Player of the Year.

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Regardless of where you stand on the Green situation and his antics, his presence and leadership are becoming more necessary by the day in the Bay. Between trade rumors, coaching drama, and losing streaks, the team is in major disarray.

The Warriors need Draymond Green back

The team currently sits at the 10th spot in the Western Conference standings. That is despite Stephen Curry spending much of the season on a scorcher. But, the Green suspension was a big blow defensively for the team. However, it isn’t their only problem.

Klay Thompson and Andrew Wiggins have taken a major step back. Chris Paul, who they acquired from the Washington Wizards to bolster their bench, is injured, and possibly on the trading block. The young guys also have a major disconnect with their minutes and coach Steve Kerr.

All in all, the situation in Golden State is getting uglier by the day. For years, Green has been the disruptor on the court for opponents. However, for the team, he was the glue guy taking on a leadership role. Is his voice the one that is missing in Golden State? Or did the Jordan Poole incident take away his credibility in the locker room?

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Once he’s back in the lineup and with the team, it could decide what the future holds for this team.