Draymond Green has given Golden State Warriors fans plenty to discuss before the regular season even begins. The veteran power forward caught the Bay Area fans’ attention, especially for his appearance after Sunday's preseason loss to the Los Angeles Clippers.
The Warriors fell 104-101 to the Clippers in their first preseason game, but the result was not what had the fans worried. A clip of Green speaking with reporters after the game led to widespread reaction about his conditioning, with several fans questioning whether the veteran forward arrived at training camp in the best possible shape.
Some reactions were particularly harsh. Fans questioned how Green could report to camp looking that way while earning a salary of nearly $28 million. Others compared his appearance to a “dad bod,” while one fan jokingly likened his build to Nikola Jokic.
“Dray unreal for coming into camp in that shape,” a fan commented.
“Paying a professional athlete 27 million when they have zero desire to stay in any type of shape is actually crazy,” another fan wrote.
“Flat out unacceptable to be in this kind of physical shape when u are a world-class athlete making 30M’s a year. There’s just too many ppl depending on your performance. Draymond is already up against it because u not the most talented; now age, u can’t afford to be on BS,” a third fan mentioned.
The widespread criticism comes at a time when Green is considered one of the most important players on a Warriors team built around Stephen Curry. At 36, his defense, communication, and playmaking remain central to what Golden State wants to do, even as the team prepares to adjust his responsibilities.
Steve Kerr is already asking Green to change his approach offensively. With the Warriors needing more scoring, Green is expected to shoot more 3-pointers while allowing players such as Brandin Podziemski and Yaxel Lendeborg to handle more playmaking duties.