An upset Warriors fan complained on social media, saying, “Draymond doesn’t wanna out there without Steph,” as Draymond Green secured 10 points in Game 5. The Minnesota Timberwolves unveiled the truth of the Dubs without Stephen Curry. Yes, Jimmy was on the court, but he wasn’t enough, nor was Green. Therefore, facing the wrath of the critics, the 35-year-old has had enough.
Draymond Green has averaged 9.1 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 3.8 assists in 12 games in the 2025 playoffs. For a hooper with experience of 13 years in the league and 4 championship-winning seasons, these stats seem horrendous. And this brought out Kendrick Perkins’ frustration, and sitting in ESPN’s studio, he said, “Draymond Green, what you had, homie? We talk about since Steph went out in Game 2, one could argue that he was trying to get ejected; Game 3, he gave them absolutely nothing. Game 4, absolutely nothing. Game 5, absolutely nothing. And I don’t expect Draymond to go out there and get 15 to 20 points. That’s not what he does.”
Speaking to Baron Davis on the Draymond Green Show, the 35-year-old forward clarified: “One thing’s for certain is I know the name Draymond affects TV ratings. That I’m certain of. Another thing’s for certain, I’ve been doing that at an elite level for a very long time, and guys like that.” Well, to begin with, Green, the 35th draft of 2012 has had one of the most glorious runs in the NBA’s history. Four championships later, you could call him a legend of the sport.
Apr 13, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) looks on against the LA Clippers as overtime expires at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Edwards-Imagn Images
He added, “I saw two seconds of what Perk was saying because I started watching it. Then y’all said I already said something about it. And so, in saying that, I’m not sure what they said because I didn’t hear it. But if they said what I think they said, they were right. How they said it—you know, these guys sometimes go about a way of saying things where they make it personal.” It’s mysterious what Draymond is concerned about here, but Baron Davis shared what Udonis Haslem said about Green.
“Udonis said you got your a– kicked,” BD informed the 2017 DPOY. Can you really say Haslem was wrong here? Even Draymond Green accepts that it’s true. However, what felt off was how the conversation between Big Perks and Udonis Haslem was the entry of Dennis Rodman. Well, he wasn’t in the studio, of course, but his name echoes through ESPN’s studio like it was meant to be.
But even Draymond didn’t skimp on replying to the comparisons drawn between him and Rodman, with Julius Randle into the mix.
Draymond Green clears his opinions of Perkins’ Dennis Rodman comparison
Steve Kerr once told the media that Draymond is the best defender he’s ever seen. “Steve Kerr played with Dennis Rodman. Julius Randle shot over 50% when Draymond Green was guarding him,” Kendrick Perkins gave his argument. “Julius—in all due respect to Julius Randle because he’s balling—he wouldn’t have put up them type of numbers or had that impact on no damn Dennis Rodman.”
So, Baron Davis said, “He compared you to Dennis Rodman and said Julius Randle wouldn’t have scored 40. That’s the only thing I didn’t like. Julius Randle wouldn’t have scored 40 on Dennis Rodman?” Dray said, “If Julius Randle was feeling like he was feeling in that series, ain’t nobody gonna stop him. You know what I mean? He ain’t thinking about anybody stopping him. For sure.
Mar 22, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) argues a call against the Atlanta Hawks in the first quarter at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
“I’m also certain I can go find a playoff series where Dennis Rodman got dropped off. When you win at the levels me and Dennis Rodman have won at, and you play the amount of meaningful series we’ve played in, there’s somebody coming along. You’re gonna lose. So yeah, I don’t take that personally at all. I definitely lost that battle,” Draymond Green concluded. Julius Randle has averaged 23.9 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 5.9 assists in 10 games in the 2025 playoffs. He was an unstoppable force who posed an equivalent, if not equal, threat on the floor like Anthony Edwards.
Draymond may be bruised, but he is far from broken. Even when the ghost of Dennis Rodman looms over every critique, he doesn’t flinch. Sure, Julius had his moment, but every legend—Rodman included—has faced a storm. Draymond’s four rings still shine, louder than the noise. And when he roars back, the league will feel it.
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