The war of words between Austin Rivers and Draymond Green is escalating. Rivers has responded to Green’s criticism of his professional career.
Green’s Initial Criticism
The disagreement started when Rivers criticised Green for saying on his podcast that Warriors coach Steve Kerr “hindered” his growth. Green responded by saying that Rivers earned the “biggest bailout in US history” with a lucrative contract when his dad, Doc Rivers, was with the Los Angeles Clippers.
Rivers’ Rebuttal
Rivers has now hit back. “The fact that you don’t have the wherewithal to do your due diligence and actually understand I was being highly complementary of you on ‘The Dan Patrick Show,’ but it’s you, and I shouldn’t be surprised. You always act irrationally, emotionally immature, and your anger always puts you in hot water,” Rivers stated.
“Draymond, you are the luckiest basketball player I think I’ve ever seen, especially in modern-day history… You’re talking about Steve Kerr hindering your career. Bro, Steve Kerr made your career,” he added.
Green’s Comments on Kerr
Green had questioned Kerr’s decision not to make enough offensive plays for him, especially when Kevin Durant joined the team in the 2016 offseason. “You know, when (Kevin Durant) came from 2016 on, I have not had a play in our playbook. Not a single play that we run for me in our playbook since 2016. You think that would hinder someone as an offensive player? Of course,” Green explained.
“So at times, I go home, and I think about my career, and I’m happy as hell with what I’ve been able to build. But at times, sometimes I sit there and think, ‘What could I really have been if I stayed true to my game and what I really was?’” he concluded.
Green’s Defensive Role
While Green didn’t have much of an offensive role for the Warriors under Kerr, he did anchor the Golden State defence. He thrived in that role. He won Defensive Player of the Year and was a nine-time member of the All-NBA Defensive Team.