Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green has been a repeated critic of those who claim to analyze basketball without a profound knowledge of the game.
Speaking to reporters on Saturday, Draymond Green reiterated his stance when asked about whether defensive fundamentals — like staying vertical — should be recognized in the same fashion as flashy plays.
“That would require people to know the game of basketball, and most people don't,” Draymond Green said. “Wishful thinking. Most people will never learn the game of basketball … They think they know, but yet don't have a clue. So, it is what it is. I enjoy being one of the not-so-many people that actually know the game and being in that rare category of people who really know what's going on in the game of basketball, as oppose to watching and thinking they can dissect because they realize who hit a shot.”
As a follow-up, Draymond Green was asked how we would go about teaching folks about basketball.
“In order to learn, you have to understand what you don't know, and most people don't understand that they don't know sh*t, so they're just f**ked … and that's just what it would be.
“It's like a drug addict. The first step to rehab is admitting that you're a drug addict … When you have all these internet sensations thinking they know the game of basketball — they would then have to admit that they don't know the game of basketball, and they're not going to do that,” Draymond Green opined.
Draymond Green is averaging just 2.8 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 5.2 assists per game through five games this season. Despite the low stats, he's clearly ignited the Warriors with his leadership, communication, and defensive presence since returning from injury. The Dubs made a stirring comeback on Friday against the Los Angeles Clippers. It remains to be seen how much mileage Golden State can get from that comeback, and how sustainable the Warriors' best brand of ball can become this season.