Pacific notes: Draymond Green’s new role, Ben Simmons’ suitors, Isaiah Jackson to start, Ziaire Williams’ case

Draymond Green says the trust he has developed in coach Steve Kerr is helping him accept changes to his role in the Golden State Warriors’ offense, according to Luca Evans. Green will spend less time trailing plays and directing teammates from the top of the key and will be stationed in the corners and on the wings more often, a switch that follows an assist-to-turnover ratio that slipped to 2.1:1 last season, his lowest since 2013/14.

“I think for me, it’s different because — you’ve always been in position to make the play,” Green said. “And now you’re in the position to at times to make the play, or for somebody to make the play for you, or for you to make the cut to allow someone to make the next play. For the most part, I think what it boils down to is, ultimately, trust.”

Kerr said this week that Green has been “all in” with his new responsibilities and added that he is “very comfortable” beginning the season with Green at center, which may be necessary given Kristaps Porzingis’ health issues and Al Horford’s limited availability at age 40. Green averaged 6.3 assists and 1.5 turnovers during the preseason and handed out 10 assists in 24 minutes Friday night.

Elsewhere in the Pacific Division:

The Warriors, New York Knicks and Minnesota Timberwolves all had some interest in Ben Simmons before he signed with the Sacramento Kings, according to Marc J. Spears, who describes Simmons’ decision to come to Sacramento as a “soft landing for a hard relaunch.”

Coach Tyronn Lue confirmed that Isaiah Jackson will be the starting center when the Los Angeles Clippers open the season Wednesday against Sacramento, according to Justin Russo. Jackson came off the bench in all 17 of his appearances after being acquired from the Indiana Pacers in February.

Ziaire Williams was one of the biggest winners of the Los Angeles Lakers’ preseason and may have earned a spot in the opening-night starting lineup, according to Thuc Nhi Nguyen. The Lakers signed Williams to a veteran’s minimum contract because coach JJ Redick admired his defensive skills, and he went 5-of-5 from three-point range during the preseason while impressing Redick with his leadership and character.

“Everybody in our building that has been around him for the last, you know, six to eight weeks just recognizes what a special human being he is,” Redick said. “I really believe in him as a player, and I think he’s got a lot of room to grow still, which is exciting for all of us.”