During the 2016 NBA playoffs, Golden State Warriors All-Star forward Draymond Green had become the center of attention surrounding his unorthodox movement of his legs.

It had painted a picture of him being a dirty player on the court that had issues with his self-control that many believed were becoming a distraction. According to a recent interview with Clay Skipper of GQ Magazine, it was at this time that Green contacted former Los Angeles Lakers great Kobe Bryant.

Article Continues Below
More Warriors News
Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) passes the ball between Milwaukee Bucks forward Bobby Portis (9) and forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) in the third quarter at the Chase Center.
NBA rumors: Warriors a ‘team to monitor’ for Giannis’ Bucks teammateMalik Brown ·
Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) dribbles the ball against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the fourth quarter during game four of the second round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Chase Center.
Draymond Green claims ‘rich kid’ problem in hoopsZachary Draves ·
Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga (00) looks to pass the ball as Minnesota Timberwolves forward Jaden McDaniels (3) plays defense in the first half during game five of the second round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Target Center.
Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga’s lab work caught on video ahead of free agencyJackson Stone ·
Thunder guard Alex Caruso (9) looks on during the third quarter against the Indiana Pacers in game two of the 2025 NBA Finals at Paycom Center with Draymond Green and Thunder's Chet Holmgren in the background
Warriors’ Draymond Green drops Alex Caruso over Chet Holmgren NBA Finals takeJosue Pavon ·
Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr talks to guard Brandin Podziemski (2) during the second half.
Warriors’ Brandin Podziemski hilariously shoots down Steve Kerr comparisonsJosh Davis ·
Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) reacts during the second half in game five of first round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena.
How Don Nelson will ‘protest’ Luka Doncic trade at award ceremonyMalik Brown ·

“I was going through all that s— with the media and with the kicks and I was f—ed up,” Green says. “So I called Kobe [Bryant], and said, ‘[This] s–t’s killing me, because these people are painting me to be something that I’m not, wondering, would I kick anybody on purpose? I wouldn’t kick anybody on purpose. It’s f—ed up.’”

Bryant’s words, according to Green: Ninety-eight percent of people are okay with mediocrity or less. Guys like Bryant and Green, though, they're out for something different—greatness. So, Green remembers Kobe saying, “as long as you wait for them to understand you, you’re f—ed.”

“It was the best s— I ever heard,” Green says. “Because it gave me an understanding of why people don’t understand me. I’m so crazy competitive. I put my competitiveness up there with anyone. How could someone understand that? It’s a different level.”

Throughout his NBA career, Bryant had developed a strong reputation for being able to filter out all the outside noise. These words of advice coming from him made the world of difference in his mind as the future Hall of Famer is someone he could relate to on a competitive level.

Since then, Green has been able to further channel his play while showing a greater level of focus and comfort within himself on the court. All of the chatter surrounding him has become a side story as he has been able to help play a key part in the Warriors' continued dominance over the rest of the league.

Golden State is now in the position to keep the ball rolling with what could be a stretch of an impressive stretch of seasons, and the 27-year-old is right in the middle of that.