Draymond Green always prides himself on not just being a player, but the key figure of the ‘New Media’. His podcast is one of the most popular among player-led shows and garners a large audience. And it turns out, NBA referees also listen to his podcast. Ahead of the Warriors‘ game against the Hawks, NBA referee Tyler Ford told him he didn’t want to hear complaints about officiating like his previous episode.
Referee Tyler Ford: “I listened to the first 10 minutes of your podcast. I don’t want to hear no feelings tonight.”
Draymond Green: “Yes, sir.”
Ford is referencing Green’s recent podcast episode, where he slammed the referees for calling an intentional foul, which got upgraded to a Flagrant 1 by league officials. Green also went after Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins and rookie Zach Edey, the latter of whom was the player he fouled.
It was good to see Green having an interaction with an NBA referee that wasn’t hostile. Draymond is one of the most volatile players in the NBA and is constantly arguing with referees over foul calls. And oftentimes, he is arguing with referees after committing some of the most blatant fouls possible in the game today.
Green’s excessively physical style and brash personality make him a referee’s worst nightmare, but Tyler Ford seemed to play along with him just fine.
Green had a decent game against the Hawks, putting up nine points, seven rebounds, nine assists, one steal, and two blocks. He played a crucial role in the Warriors’ 120-97 win over the Hawks.
Draymond Green: Defensive Anchor Behind Warriors Resurgence
Draymond Green has been one of the most important players in this recent Warriors turnaround. Coming into the season, no one had any expectations of the Warriors. Having lost Klay Thompson and Chris Paul in the offseason, and landing no star player to replace them, the Warriors were expected to be a middling team in a stacked Western Conference.
However, the Warriors have shown that they are not down for the count, coming into the season guns blazing. The Warriors now sit on top of the Western Conference with an 11-3 record, the best in the West and third-best in the entire NBA behind the Celtics and the Cavaliers.
Many credit the performances of Stephen Curry, Andrew Wiggins, new signing Buddy Hield, and the young duo of Brandin Podziemski and Jonathan Kuminga. And while all those players have been key in their roles, this resurgence wouldn’t be possible without the excellent defensive performances of Draymond Green.
Green is the anchor of the Warriors’ defense and has helped them acquire a defensive rating of 105.7, the fourth-best in the league. Green himself has a defensive rating of 108.8. It’s not just Green’s defensive stats (5.9 REB, 1.1 STL, 1.1 BLK) that make him the anchor, but the work he does in coordinating the team’s defense.
Green is having one of his best starts to the season. If he and the Warriors can carry this momentum for most of the season, they will be in contention for the NBA championship once again, defying all naysayers who labeled their dynasty as being over.
Thank you for being a valued reader of Fadeaway World. If you liked this article, please consider following us on Google News. We really appreciate your support.
