Suspension — the only option Kendrick Perkins could think of after Draymond Green embraced his old habits, tripping Grizzlies’ rookie Zach Edey last Friday. He was let off the hook with the foul being upgraded to a flagrant one. But that was enough for analysts and many in the NBA calling for a ban. Days later the topic was again brought up on The Stephen A. Smith Show and along with it came an invitation to join a 3-man debate which didn’t exactly thrill the host.

When the SAS asked ESPN’s Brian Windhorst to address the Draymond Green incident, the insider said, “Draymond Green is an amazing character. Stephen, I actually am looking forward to the day when Draymond is in the media.” Then he extended the proposal, “I can’t wait to do a show and a panel with Draymond. I would love for the three of us. Let’s do it on First Take.” To this Stephen A. Smith only had a mild reaction and said “Yes”. Even when Windhorst stopped making his case, Stephen A. evaded the inviting discussion.

Justifying his reason for inviting Draymond, Windy highlighted, “He is so smart. He is so fascinating. I so much enjoy his viewpoint of the game, and he’s willing to be so honest.” And then there was a catch, “When it comes to his own, weaknesses like this, he’s just not honest.” They discussed how Draymond has worked his way up despite not being particularly gifted. But they both agreed that Draymond’s foul on Edey was a dirty play.

In a recent episode of the First Take, Smith disclosed that many in the league believed, it was a suspension-worthy act. “Well, I’m satisfied with the upgrade being to a flagrant one. But it’s important to recognize that you have a lot of people in the league that believe Draymond should be suspended. I’m not one of those people,” Smith said. Kendrick Perkins then chimed in too and demanded that there should be an extended suspension for Draymond due to the “dangerous and reckless” foul.

Stephen A.’s remark was addressed by the 4-time All-Star on The Draymond Green Show with Baron Davis. “The gaslighting is crazy. You got Stephen A,” the 34-year-old mentioned. “Talking about, ‘Many people around the league think Draymond should be suspended, that ain’t right,'” He added, “If many people around the league think Draymond should be suspended, guess what? Draymond’s going to be suspended.” Draymond also expressed his belief that since he’s been playing well, this season and ESPN’s ratings are low, they’re stretching his situation to draw more attention. He highlighted, “Draymond’s name sparks buzz. We know that name carries weight. We know that’s going to get people riled up.”

This isn’t the first time Draymond has accused the media house of defaming him. While defending his actions in the Warriors’ season opener against the Blazers, the defensive mastermind had a similar reaction. Things would become crystal clear if he joined Stephen A. and Windy on the First Take panel for a Q&A session. But that probably won’t be enough to convince analysts or even his fellow NBA stars about his troublemaking habits.

NBA star slams Draymond Green’s on-court antics

Draymond Green’s fiery rant didn’t only stop with the analysts. He even verbally attacked the Grizzlies HC, Taylor Jenkins. After the Warriors vs Memphis game, Jenkins expressed his dissent to the press over Draymond’s foul. He even mentioned a “code” present in the league for that sort of play.

Taking the opportunity to respond, Draymond blasted Jenkins for being a “softy.” “You run into the media crying about a foul that, c’mon bro, with your 7-3 rookie,” Green said on his podcast on Tuesday. “So guess what you just taught your 7-3 rookie? How to be emotional and run to the media talking about a foul. We bigs, we big men. You don’t run to the media talking about the foul, you a big man.”

But it seems not many would agree with Draymond. Bobby Portis Jr. recently joined the crew of the ‘Run It Back’ on FanDuel. According to the Bucks star, Draymond was indeed in the wrong for doing that to Edey. “Obviously, that’s a hostile play. You know, obviously, can’t pull anybody down to the ground like that, especially when he’s already running and that type of leg movement. So coulda got really ugly,” Portis answered Michelle Beadle. “So, I definitely agree with that part. But, you know, obviously, suspension is tough.”

While staying tight-lipped about the suspension, Portis mentioned the play being a “hostile” one and recalled his own ejection in game 4 against the Pacers last season. Draymond can consider himself lucky for not running into any sort of fine or suspension, but his comment on Jenkins is flirting with the prospect of the league taking action. It’s a pain for any Dubs fan, but for a neutral, this is cinema. Never change Draymond, never change!