On Saturday afternoon, news spread that Draymond Green, a forward for the Golden State Warriors, had sustained an ankle injury that would likely keep him out of action for three to six weeks. Green is quoted as saying, “I dodged a bullet and learned that today by the way it’s (positively) reacting,” in a recent story by Marc Spears of Andscape. You can’t instantly tell the pattern even with an MRI. Reduced swelling. 

While this is encouraging, Green still anticipates missing the first few games of the season. He estimates being sidelined for four to six weeks. The Warriors, who have a new-look lineup that includes veteran point guard Chris Paul, were counting on training camp to start gelling as a unit, so this is a major setback. 

Paul has been working out with Green and the other Warriors players, but it can’t make up for Green missing the first few games of the season. This is a serious setback for the Warriors, who were hoping to get off to a good start this season but now lack the cushion they previously did.

Fortunately for Green and Golden State, it appears that this injury is not as serious as first thought. After four to six weeks, Green should be ready to go back to playing with his squad.