Despite Over $1 Million NBA Fines, Why Draymond Green Should Never Change His Bad-Boy Persona for Warriors’ Sake?

The Golden State Warriors stand as one of the NBA’s most successful franchises, clinching seven NBA titles over their 77-year history. Their most recent title was in 2022. While their championship run last season was cut short due to various injury scares and chemistry issues, the Dubs were looking forward to a spectacular season this year. However, that was not the case as they are struggling just one month into the new season. The only performing star for the Warriors has been Stephen Curry. The 35-year-old has been putting up some consistent performances game after game while still struggling with injuries. 

The same cannot be said about his teammates, though. Klay Thompson has been at his worst. And our resident emotional guy, Draymond Green, has added to their long list of woes. His most recent incident with the Rudy Gobert chokehold situation left many to wonder if the forward should pause his antics on the court.

Draymond Green should not tone down his fierce personality

Green’s polarizing personality has been integral to his success in the NBA. Draymond Green will always divide opinions because of his antics. However, his attitude has served him and the Dubs so well. So, why change now? It is his unique personality that has endeared him to millions of Warriors fans and they wouldn’t want their favorite player to change, even in the slightest.

Opposing players know the quality that Draymond brings to the table, but it is by hearing from his teammates that one can grasp the true extent of his influence on the Golden State Warriors. Former Warrior Matt Barnes said, “He is the heart and soul of that organization, of that city. This team wins no championship without Draymond Green. That’s just facts.” After 11 seasons, Draymond has no reason or intention to change his personality. He will surely go down as one of the greatest players to put on a Warriors jersey. A player who didn’t conform to the conventional norm, but still carved out a lasting legacy.

Draymond’s reputation precedes him

Throughout his 12-year NBA career, Draymond Green has been involved in numerous confrontations and altercations with teammates, opponents, referees, and journalists. He has built a reputation, characterized as both a beloved teammate and a disliked adversary by opponents. However, it is his fiery and unapologetic personality that has served him so well in the NBA. Despite his glaring technical shortcomings, Draymond became a key part of the Warriors dynasty. 

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The Warriors’ clashes with the Cavaliers in the mid to late 2010s were iconic. Despite both teams boasting multiple stars, it was often Draymond who took center stage, especially in his matchups against LeBron James. However, Green’s fiery demeanor has occasionally proven detrimental to the Warriors. In game four of the 2016 finals, a scuffle between LeBron and Green ensued, resulting in Green attempting to strike LeBron in the groin. The NBA suspended Green for his actions after the game. His suspension and subsequent absence paved the way for a Cavs comeback. 

Recently, Draymond found himself in the media spotlight, but for all the wrong reasons. In a game against the Timberwolves, Green choked opposing center Rudy Gobert while trying to defend Klay. The NBA handed him a five-game suspension for his actions. However, in a recent interview, Green unapologetically stated, “I’m going to be me no matter what and that’s not going to change.” In a league where there are very few players left with a distinct personality, Draymond’s unapologetic personality comes as a breath of fresh air.

Draymond’s importance to the Warriors

When talking about the Warriors dynasty, the first players that come to mind are the “Splash Bros” Steph Curry, and Klay Thompson. Rightly so, because their efficient three-point shooting completely transformed the NBA. However, when you look at the finer details, the importance of Draymond Green comes to light. While not always the highest scorer or the flashiest player, Green was the orchestrator behind the Warriors’ revolutionary offense and enforcer of their stingy defense.

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Drafted as the 35th overall pick in the 2012 NBA Draft, Draymond became one of the steals of the draft. The Warriors front office deserves immense credit for finding a talent like Green so low in the draft. Over the years, Draymond has established himself as one of the pillars behind the Dubs’ success. But, his personality has made him one of the most polarizing figures in the NBA.

Draymond has accumulated almost $1.3 million in fines relating to his on-court antics. Instances like fighting with teammate Kevin Durant, and kicking Steven Adams in the groin, among many others. Despite it all, no one can deny the important role that Draymond plays in the Warriors line-up. So say what you may, but Draymond’s personality is an important aspect of what makes basketball competitive and fierce. In his actions, Green just proves that he always thinks of coming to his teammate’s aid first, before all else. What are your thoughts on Draymond? Let us know.