Getty Draymond Green walks onto the court before a game against the Dallas Mavericks.
Draymond Green is apparently fed up with critics asking why he doesn’t shoot the ball more often.
The Golden State Warriors big man lashed out at critics in an appearance on HBO’s “The Shop: Uninterrupted,” using some very choice language to explain the reason behind his rather unselfish play. In the midst of a general discussion about what makes a good leader, Green argued that his ability to delegate the team’s offensive duties to his future Hall of Fame teammate is a good thing, not a defect of his own game.
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Green Gets Salty With His Critics
The discussion on Friday’s show included comedian and talk show host Chelsea Handler, who said she believes the ability to delegate responsibilities is the sign of a true leader. That sparked a strong response from Green, who went on an expletive-filled rant about people who have criticized him for doing the same thing during Warriors games.
“For instance, people say, ‘Draymond you should shoot!’ But if I can get Steph Curry the ball for a f***ing shot, why would I shoot?! You’re actually a f***ing idiot for thinking I should shoot, because I can get him the shot and if he’s half open, it’s better than anyone else in the world — if he’s half open!”
Draymond Green’s response to people saying, “you should shoot.”
(via @uninterrupted, h/t @voveraudio)
Green Defends His Game
While Green acknowledges that he is better fit with a non-shooting role on offense, he has been rather high on his abilities at the other end of the court. Earlier this year, following a win over the Utah Jazz in which he notched a triple-double with 11 points, 12 assists, and 12 rebounds, Green said he saw himself as the best defender in the game.
“I don’t think there’s anyone better than me defensively,” Green said to reporters via NBC Sports. “That’s always been the way I’ve felt. That’s not gonna change now.”
“I think there’s no question that I’ll be Defensive Player of the Year. There’s a responsibility for us to win. And if we do … there’s no defender better than me. So there you have it.”
Green was only a bit off in his assessment. Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert was named the 2020-21 Kia NBA Defensive Player of the Year and Philadelphia 76ers guard Ben Simmons was tied with him in voting for the NBA All-Defensive First Team with 200 points each, but Green did make the All-Defensive First Team with 176 points, including 80 votes for the first team.
Here is your 2020-21 All-Defensive First Team! 💪
◼️ Rudy Gobert
◼️ Ben Simmons
◼️ Draymond Green
◼️ Jrue Holiday
◼️ Giannis Antetokounmpo
Beyond this season, Green has said he aspires to one day be inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame and believes he could be remembered as an all-time great defensive player.
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