There’s no such thing as bad press, and nobody believes that as much as Draymond Green. The Golden State Warriors star has been collecting suspensions like it’s something to flex. While most people are fed up with his antics, NBA legend John Salley says that it is “Very American” of him to do things like this.
During a recent appearance on the Run It Back show, Salley discussed Green, the public outcry over his actions, and tried to break down the origin of Green’s temper.
Draymond Green’s out-of-control anger stems from his love for the Bad Boys
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Salley said that Green grew up a Detroit Pistons fan. The Michigan-born picked up some of the instincts that we see on the court from his close relationship with the Pistons. The Detroit players were known for their ”bad-boy’ attitude, and Salley believes that is where the Warriors star learned all of it. He said, “[Draymond Green] grew up being a bad boy fan, it’s that mentality that you have to take when you want something.” However, he isn’t one to complain about what he sees Green doing on the court. In fact, Salley praised him for taking up the role.
"[Draymond Green] grew up being a bad boy fan, it's that mentality that you have to take when you want something."
John Salley on Draymond's antics and watching the 2004 Pistons.
📺: https://t.co/wdT8I0ST8g pic.twitter.com/2YGykwLdAk
— Run It Back (@RunItBackFDTV) January 16, 2024
He said that it is dirty work, but someone has to do it, and he believes Green is the only one on the Warriors squad capable enough to do it. He said Green is “the guy who does all the dirty work,” and every team needs a character like that. The NBA veteran equated Green’s antics with that of the Bad Boys stating that “It’s very American.” Salley said, “I totally understand,” why Green goes for people’s throats on the court as he played basketball during the era when a little scuffle wasn’t seen as a bad thing.
"I believe [Draymond Green] is the energy."
John Salley on Draymond's return.
📺: https://t.co/wdT8I0ST8g pic.twitter.com/mTSbPqyBwn
— Run It Back (@RunItBackFDTV) January 16, 2024
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
More importantly, he is also looking forward to Green making a stellar return to the court. Salley revealed that he recently met the Warriors coach Steve Kerr and asked him when their star player is coming back. The much-awaited comeback happened during their last game against the Memphis Grizzlies when Green came off the bench.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
However, that is not what the fans expect from him now. They want to witness a classic performance that doesn’t involve him being taken out in between games. Salley said that Green is the energy of the team and people have made a bigger deal out of his recent on-court brawls than they should have.
Watch This Story: 5 Epic Moves by the Magician, Michael Jordan