Golden State Warriors fans enter Tuesday's Game 6 of the NBA Finals knowing their team is a win away from ending a 40-year championship drought.
At the back of their minds, though, lies concern over the future of pending restricted free agent Draymond Green.
General manager Bob Myers can't come right out and confirm reports that the team will match any offers for Green, but the Executive of the Year did his best to quell fans' fear on Tuesday.
"Tell the Warrior fans they shouldn't worry," Myers told reporters at shootaround, as reported by the San Jose Mercury News' Jeff Faraudo.
"He has tremendous value," Myers said of Green, who finished runner-up for both Defensive Player of the Year and Most Improved Player. "I think that's apparent to anyone who watches our team. It's apparent to us. There's a lot that he does that people don't even see, that's off the court, as far as being a leader in the ways that he is," Myers noted.
"We're clearly not in this position without him," the GM said, adding that Green has probably exceeded expectations since being drafted in the second round of the 2012 Draft. "He checks so many boxes as far as leadership, effort, intensity, skill, winning."
Green, a versatile, 25-year-old forward who has even logged minutes at center in Steve Kerr's super-small lineups, averaged 11.7 points, 8.2 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 1.6 steals, and 1.3 blocks while suiting up in 79 games for the top-seeded Warriors this season.
Adding a title to the mix would add proverbial value for Green - who's bumped those averages to roughly 14 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists during the playoffs, with the Warriors performing more than 18 points per 100 possessions better with Green on the court.
But he appears to be a sure bet to secure a maximum contract regardless. And likely from Myers' Warriors.
