Since returning from an extended suspension earlier this season, Draymond Green has been the Golden State Warriors’ center. Steve Kerr changed the team’s starting lineup around the All-Star break, moving Klay Thompson to the bench and replacing him with Jonathan Kuminga. For the most part, having Green in the middle of the court has given the Warriors more speed and physicality.

Nonetheless, the role adjustment has surely put further strain on Green’s physique. Rather than competing with rival strikers, he’s up against some of the league’s largest and strongest players. Green believes he can handle the added physicality of his new role.

“It’s definitely more taxing because at five, you’re involved in every possession,” Green told Anthony Slater of The Athletic. “At four, fours do not always crash. You may not need to box out every possession. At the five, you have to box out every play. Every play, fives attempt to gain possession of the ball. Even something as basic as that, like 20 more box outs every game. That is contact. That is a battle. So it’s undoubtedly more taxing. But I am cut out for it.”

Green appeared in 43 games this season. He averages 8.8 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 6.1 assists per game. His new role has allowed him to rely on his exceptional basketball IQ and ability to read the game, lifting the Warrior defense as he leads it from the center of the floor.

Despite his back troubles, Green will make a huge contribution to the Warriors’ prospects of success this season. He will face the Western Conference’s most physical big men as Golden State attempts to navigate the play-in tournament and the postseason. Fortunately, he is one of the league’s more intelligent players. If anyone can take the increased physicality, it’s him.