Meet the Warriors’ newest addition, JaMychal Green

After reaching a contract buyout agreement with the Oklahoma City Thunder, JaMychal Green intends to sign with the Golden State Warriors

Let’s take a look at this signing and dive into what Green might add to the defending champions

The Warriors’ front office was bombarded with criticism after failing to re-sign Otto Porter Jr. and Gary Payton II, two role players who stole the hearts of Warriors fans during a magical championship run. However, Bob Myers and company have once again proved their merit, replenishing the Warriors’ depth with the additions of Donte DiVincenzo and now, JaMychal Green. 

He isn’t exactly a carbon copy, but Green should have no issue filling the Otto Porter Jr. role for Golden State. Neither player will blow you away with any one skill, but much like Porter, Green is a versatile forward who can space the floor and play out of the pick and roll. On the rebounding front, the similarities are even more apparent. Both Porter Jr. and Green snagged exactly 9.3 rebounds per 36 minutes last season, per Basketball Reference.

Green’s three-point numbers were rather uninspiring last season: 26% on only 1.2 attempts per game. These numbers are abnormal for a career 37% three-point shooter, but the 2021-22 season was quite the odd one for the Denver Nuggets. With two of their biggest offensive threats (Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr.) sidelined for the season, role players such as Green garnered much more defensive attention than usual, assuredly factoring into his wonky shooting splits. During the 2020-21 campaign, a year in which the Nuggets were mostly whole, Green knocked down 40% of his triples on nearly 3.5 attempts per game.

He may lack competence as a self-creator, but the 9-year vet has made a living lurking on the perimeter, patiently waiting for the ball to swing his way. During each of the past three seasons, every single Jamychal Green three-point attempt has been assisted, per Basketball Reference. Green is also a career 40% shooter on corner threes and during the 2020-21 season, he hit on just about 45%. This will bode well for him in a Golden State offense that ranked 11th in corner threes attempted last season, per NBA Advanced Stats.

In Denver, JaMychal Green had the luxury of playing alongside Nikola Jokic – a preceding situation that prepared him nicely for his newest role in The Bay. The two-time MVP commanded the attention of entire defenses – frequently drawing double-teams and consequently generating open looks for his teammates who were left unaccounted for. Green made sure to capitalize on these opportunities by splashing home open looks from three or cutting off-ball for easy finishes at the rim. This two-pronged skillset will serve him well in a free-flowing Warrior offense in which the attention will always be elsewhere.

Green will primarily be utilized as a floor-spacer with the second unit that features Jordan Poole as the lead guard. Either Kevon Looney or James Wiseman will be the designated screen setter for that group (it remains to be seen which big man will get the starting nod), but Green has flashed the ability to roll hard and finish in a variety of ways when called upon as a screener.

Defensively, Green is no ace, but he is no slouch either. He has the natural frame to disrupt shots at the rim and has been an adequate defender out in space, using his length to deter smaller guards on the perimeter. His peak years may be in the rearview mirror, but Green maintains awareness off-ball and wields the mobility to provide sound help defense.

The Warriors have struck gold again, reaching a bargain deal with a player that will fit snug in the Golden State system. JaMychal Green is a flexible backup forward who will bolster the Dubs’ presence on the glass and exploit defenses with his three-point prowess.

Porter Jr. and Payton II out, DiVincenzo and Green in – the rich only get richer.