Draymond Green may have annoyed the Oklahoma City Thunder with his less-than-pleasant take on the team’s post-game interviews tradition, but it seems his remarks haven’t affected a young guard. Loyal OKC fans would no doubt be aware of their unique ritual. For those not too aware of it, this is what happens.
After a victorious game, a local or national broadcaster interviews a player surrounded by his teammates. Right after the interview ends, the men walk away ‘barking’ as a way to celebrate their win. Of course, fans of the team absolutely adore this camaraderie between teammates. However, Green doesn’t believe it is the best image for a team that is looking to clinch a title.
Many, including OKC’s two-way forward Alex Ducas and defensive ace, Lu Dort, clapped back at his comments. However, their 23-year-old guard, Jalen Williams, does not believe it even deserves much attention.
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When asked what he thought about the criticism surrounding their post-game interviews by Clemente Almanza of The Thunder Wire, the Santa Clara alum replied, “You probably gotta ask them. I don’t know. I don’t really focus on other teams or what they’re doing until we play them. We’re going to continue to do it… We enjoy it.”
Williams clearly couldn’t care less about the outside noise! He also mentioned that he did not hear or see what Draymond Green had to say about the matter. But once he was informed about the comments, he had quite the response. “I feel like it’s kinda weird to have a strong opinion on it.”
Jalen Williams on criticism of their group postgame interviews: “You probably gotta ask them. I don’t know. I don’t really focus on other teams or what they’re doing until we play them. We’re going to continue to do it… We enjoy it.”
Said he didn’t see Draymond’s comments. Was…
— Clemente Almanza (@CAlmanza1007) November 5, 2024
What’s your perspective on:
Does OKC's post-game ritual signify a lack of seriousness, or a new era of team spirit?
Have an interesting take?
Well, it really is not surprising the Denver native would feel so. After all, every team has their own culture and way of doing things. And so far, the OKC Thunder are doing perfectly well on their own terms, steadily building a unique identity and fostering a culture of resilience and development that already is paying dividends.
On that note, why don’t we take a quick look at what the veteran forward said about the Thunder’s ritual?
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What did Draymond Green say about OKC Thunder’s post-game ritual?
Okay, so Green has been around the league for 12 years, having helped build the Warriors dynasty from the root. Hence, the subjects he speaks of; they are from experience. And perhaps that’s what prompted him to speak on the Thunder’s post-game ritual.
“There’s a certain seriousness that it takes to win in this league, and there’s a certain fear you have to instill in teams in order to win. I just don’t know if they’re instilling that fear in teams with all the bromance and stuff after the game,” Draymond Green said in his podcast.
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Well, fear is one thing many of Green’s opponents feel when they see the 6’6 230-pound Dubs enforcer come at them. And the explosive veteran has admitted on multiple occasions that what we see on the court isn’t who he really is. The Draymond everyone sees on-court is one that stops at nothing to help his team win a game. Absolutely nothing! But off-court, he is the greatest Dad, best friend, and an amazing husband.
OKC‘s relaxed approach, focusing more on growth and camaraderie over aggression, might feel foreign to Green, who is all about fierce competitive spirit. For Dray, every team should operate with an edge and relentless focus. However, for Oklahoma, this balance on intensity and team culture has clearly resonated with their young core and fueled a promising start.
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Does OKC's post-game ritual signify a lack of seriousness, or a new era of team spirit?