Draymond Green isn’t a fan of OKC Thunder’s post-game rituals. Last season’s title contenders seem to have discovered a new tradition to follow. After each win, local or national broadcasters interview a Thunder player surrounded by teammates. Once the interview ends, several players celebrate by ‘barking’ as they walk off the court. OKC fans love this unique camaraderie, however, not everything receives a positive response. Those outside the team’s community don’t find the rituals amusing. For example, Dray Magic.

In the latest episode of The Draymond Green Show, the NBA veteran and ex-Warriors player Baron Davis dissected Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Co.’s interview tradition. Especially considering the team has the youngest roster, their antics require some alterations (maybe). According to Green, the team is yet to understand what it takes to compete for a championship!

“The one thing I see with the OKC team that is a little alarming for me is their post-game,” Draymond Green expressed. “7 guys in the interview. 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.”

The 4x NBA Champ added: “We’re all bros and homies, and that’s cool. There’s a time and a place for that… I’m all for having fun. It’s an 82-game season, so you should have fun. But you also have to understand when people are looking at you to be the team, and you have to understand when your moment is.”

Nov 3, 2021; San Francisco, California, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) looks into the crowd after a win against the Charlotte Hornets quarter at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY SportsAt the same time, Green acknowledges SGA and the team’s movement toward the championship, which began last season. Just like 2023/24, they must focus on having a great regular season this time too. “You’re no longer just building through the draft. You’ve arrived,” reminded Draymond Green.

Meanwhile, even former hooper Chandler Parsons had a take on OKC Thunder. “The Thunder are like a really good AAU team where they all get along. They’re all the same age, they don’t care whose night it is. Everyone knows their role and knows SGA is their best player.” In reality, poaching Kevin Durant from the Thunder to GSW, dissolved OKC’s championship dreams almost a decade ago. While they’re on the mend now, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s efforts for the Oklahoma City Thunder haven’t skipped Green’s eyes.

Draymond Green believes SGA is the only top option for OKC Thunder

The Oklahoma City Thunder requires a strict order, according to Draymond Green. But, the four-time NBA champion emphasized that in the playoffs, OKC players must know their roles, with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander as the top option. “Shai is on the verge of becoming a superstar. I don’t quite personally think he’s a superstar yet. Because superstar to me is worldwide,” Green said.

“Everybody knows you. To me, there are only a few superstars in the NBA. But Shai has superstar-level talent. However, just because you have superstar-level talent doesn’t always make you a superstar.”

He added: “For Shai Gilgeous-Alexander to take that next step, there are certain things a superstar does. Like I said, the interview. Like Shai, people want to hear what you got to say! They want to hear you speak. They want to hear your thoughts. Don’t want to hear when 7 guys in the back are, ‘Roar! roar! roar!’ They don’t want to hear that.”

OKC Thunder has a chance to take over the Western Conference again. They are one of the most talented teams in the league who’re expected to contend again. OKC became the youngest team to secure the Western Conference’s top seed since seeding began in 1984!

However, what matters more right now is a change in their approach after the game. Draymond Green, who’s been in this show biz for so long, surely has some sensible advice for SGA and Co. It’s not a given anymore that the Thunder will be advancing to the playoffs again because plenty of other teams have strengthened themselves this offseason too, regardless of their conference.

The Bay Area dynasty, which many claim is over, is going to try to give all it has left to win a title with Stephen Curry again. Therefore, it’s only a matter of time before the OKC Thunder brings the changes and avoids turning into an AAU league team. What do you think?