NBA players are paid millions to play the game of basketball, so it is fair to assume that the sport is their primary focus as long as they are in the league. However, that is far from the case in real life, as NBA players often focus their attention on other aspects of their life.
When dedication is what is expected throughout the year, the Finals become even more important for teams and fans to see the players fully focused on winning a title. While many players are like that, some aren’t. That doesn’t necessarily mean that their performances are hampered because they have other things to do.
This has become a massive talking point with Draymond Green and his affinity for recording podcasts immediately after games are over. He has been criticized by many for focusing on his media career more than the ongoing series against Boston. A fan and noted podcaster has pointed out why Draymond’s podcast can’t be what’s holding him back considering what players like Michael Jordan and Dennis Rodman did during their many Finals series.
MJ gambled till 4am the night before finals games. Rodman left town to smoke cigars with Hulk Hogan on WCW Nitro. I don’t think Draymond talking on YouTube for 30 mins sober in a hotel room is why they’re losing guys…
— Sam Esfandiari (@samesfandiari) June 9, 2022
The Last Dance is the perfect source for this. Anyone can go and see the tape of Rodman partying during the Finals and appearing as a member of the nWo on WCW Nitro on TNT. In addition, MJ would regularly indulge himself in gambling and golf during the Finals.
This is what fans had to say about the observation:
Oh really? https://t.co/c3QUsOpngN
— Natalie Esquire (@natfluential) June 9, 2022
Lol yes. Like if all the off time activities this one’s actively the least destructive
— Sam Esfandiari (@samesfandiari) June 9, 2022
It’s not why they’re losing. But it a fun reason to mock him
— David McIntyre (@davidpmcintyre) June 9, 2022
He’s clearly unfocused. It’s not any different from turning off your phone during finals week in college. Draymond isn’t Rodman and he isn’t MJ.
— 4 of them (@Nate_moseby) June 9, 2022
One dude who can score 50 and a game winner and another who can grab 30rebounds have more rope than a player who puts up 2/4/3
— Shooters Shot🏹 (@jamestoughfy) June 9, 2022
Not at all. People always looking for something to gripe about. The warriors were not allowed the same freedom to be physical as the Celtics were. Plain and simple.
— Olden Polynice (@OldenPolynice1) June 9, 2022
The problem is when you talk too much you have to back it up. Otherwise stay locked in and let your game speak. MJ delivered whenever he talked smack. Everybody struggles in life but you can’t struggle and have a big mouth. That’s just crazy…
— Aliocha Matingou (@AliochaMatt) June 9, 2022
But you're not taking into account the podcast prep time, Sam. AK
— Kamenetzky Brothers (@KamBrothers) June 9, 2022
Numerous times Jordan would play 18 or even 36 holes that morning and play in games that night. Guy was from another planet.
— Joe Keene (@osage25) June 9, 2022
They also put up huge numbers after doing said things and won which is why nobody complained about it.
— LeCurry. (@Curry4daW) June 9, 2022
It is hard to say that recording a podcast for 30 minutes is the reason Draymond is playing poorly. He probably just records his immediate thoughts and sends over the clips to editors at The Volume, who package the video and upload it on the YouTube channel.
Green’s performances have been lacking and people were going to eventually point at the podcast as a distraction. People weren’t worried about this when the Warriors tore through the West in the Playoffs, so it shouldn’t be a concern now that the player is facing adversity.
