Draymond Green is entering his 15th season in the league, all with the Golden State Warriors.

Though Draymond’s play has slipped from his peak years of being one of the best and most versatile defenders in the league, along with the ultimate offensive connector, he remains an important piece in how the Warriors play, with his understanding of the game, the system, and his teammates.

Speaking on SiriusXM Radio, Warriors head coach Steve Kerr explained what it’s like coaching Draymond and his relationship with the likely Hall of Famer.

“He’s been like family to me. When I say that, it’s with every respect to what a family is. You have all kinds of love and squabbles and friction. In the end, it comes back to family. You’re together, and you’re moving forward. That’s always been our relationship. We do get into it; occasionally, we’re both fiery competitors.

“He is one of those guys who, if you want to win, has to be on your team. He’s an incredible winner. He’s also a handful, and he acknowledges that. Fortunately, I’m very patient, and I recognize his value and the goodness in him. He’s complex and has made mistakes, but we all have.”

It’s no secret that Draymond is passionate, and sometimes that passion comes out in the wrong way. There are plenty of examples of his outbursts on the court and his physical incidents that have led to technical fouls and suspensions.

It’s also no secret that the Warriors wouldn’t be the Warriors without him.

Steph Curry gets all the headlines for transcending basketball with his otherworldly ability to shoot the ball. But without Draymond, those shots become much tougher. His ability to set a screen or put the ball in the right spot allows Curry just an extra inch of space that he needs.

The Warriors missed the playoffs for five straight seasons, including the first three years of Curry’s career, before Draymond was drafted in the second round out of Michigan State.

They made the playoffs in Draymond’s rookie season and never looked back, elevating to new heights when Steve Kerr took the job in 2014, leading the Warriors to their first of four championships with him at the helm.

The relationship between Kerr and Draymond, and Draymond and the fans, and Draymond and everybody, might not always be the calmest and most positive relationships, but there is no denying the results it has produced when the ball is in the air.