Green praised Gui Santos, welcomed De’Anthony Melton’s health and said the Warriors benefited from working together before camp.
Draymond Green came away encouraged by the Golden State Warriors’ recent minicamp, pointing to several teammates who stood out as the team prepares for the season.
Green predicted a strong year for Gui Santos, welcomed a healthy De’Anthony Melton and said it was good to see Brandin Podziemski working with the group.
He also praised Al Horford’s conditioning. Green said watching the players begin to work together was “absolutely beautiful.”
Those are early observations from a player-led gathering, not conclusions about Golden State’s rotation. They do, however, identify some of the players Green will be watching when formal practices begin.
Santos and Melton draw attention
Green’s prediction for Santos is the clearest individual endorsement. For it to bear out, Santos will need to turn his versatility into dependable minutes. Golden State has long asked its supporting players to read the floor, move the ball and contribute without needing plays called for them.
A larger role would require Santos to do those things consistently alongside the team’s established players.
Melton’s health is another significant point for Green. His ability to defend on the perimeter and fit into different guard combinations could give the Warriors more flexibility.
Being available for minicamp is encouraging, though training camp and regular-season games will better test what he can handle.
Green also welcomed Podziemski’s work with teammates. Time on the court together matters for a group trying to sort out combinations before the schedule begins. The more familiar the guards and forwards are with one another’s decisions, the easier it becomes to evaluate which units work.
Horford and the bigger picture
Green singled out Horford’s conditioning as well. The veteran center could give Golden State another frontcourt option, with his role taking shape as the team moves through camp. His presence may also affect how often Green plays center and which lineups coach Steve Kerr can use.
The minicamp offered more than an early look at individual players. It gave teammates a chance to build familiarity before official practices, particularly valuable for a roster that includes veterans and younger players seeking larger roles.
Green’s enthusiasm is understandable, but the Warriors still have to put the pieces together against opponents. Santos must prove he is ready for more responsibility, Melton must stay healthy and Golden State must find combinations that support its core.
For now, the veteran forward likes the starting point. His comments name the players who impressed him and set a useful measure for camp: whether the promise he saw in those workouts continues once the Warriors begin preparing for games.
