Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green is once again in the spotlight after a controversial foul on Memphis Grizzlies rookie Zach Edey during the NBA Cup group stage. The incident, which took place last Friday, led to Green's ejection and sparked widespread debate about his conduct and its consequences.
The play unfolded at the 7:06 mark of the third quarter, when Green, entangled with Edey, trapped the rookie’s foot using his arm, causing Edey to fall awkwardly. Initially ruled a transition take foul, the call was upgraded to a flagrant 1. Green’s frustration boiled over soon after, resulting in two technical fouls and an ejection. Despite his absence, the Warriors managed a 123-118 victory.
On Tuesday, ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith weighed in on the incident during First Take, highlighting how Green’s reputation plays a significant role in public perception. "There are many in the league who believe Draymond should face suspension," Smith revealed. While he stopped short of agreeing with those calls, he acknowledged that Green’s history complicates matters. "This is guilt by association—his resume and what he’s done in the past."
“He cost the Warriors a playoff berth”, says Smith
Smith referenced Green’s track record, including 20 ejections and six suspensions, to explain why fans and analysts react so strongly to his actions. "Last year, he cost the Warriors a playoff berth when they were the fifth-best team in the league with him on the court," Smith said, stressing how Green’s fiery demeanour has occasionally hindered his team.
The ESPN analyst also noted that Green's actions are scrutinized more intensely than those of other players. "When it’s Draymond, it’s not going to be typical... because of his history, we’re going to be talking about him in a broader context," Smith explained.
While Green’s incident with Edey may not lead to suspension, Smith’s comments underline the ongoing tension between the forward's pivotal role on the court and his contentious reputation off it. For Green, who has been integral to the Warriors’ success, moments like this only add to the complex narrative surrounding his career.
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Stephen A. Smith makes huge comments on Draymond Green after his foul on Zach Edey
Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green is once again in the spotlight after a controversial foul on Memphis Grizzlies rookie Zach Edey
Draymond Green (Source: X)
Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green is once again in the spotlight after a controversial foul on Memphis Grizzlies rookie Zach Edey during the NBA Cup group stage. The incident, which took place last Friday, led to Green's ejection and sparked widespread debate about his conduct and its consequences.
The play unfolded at the 7:06 mark of the third quarter, when Green, entangled with Edey, trapped the rookie’s foot using his arm, causing Edey to fall awkwardly. Initially ruled a transition take foul, the call was upgraded to a flagrant 1. Green’s frustration boiled over soon after, resulting in two technical fouls and an ejection. Despite his absence, the Warriors managed a 123-118 victory.
On Tuesday, ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith weighed in on the incident during First Take, highlighting how Green’s reputation plays a significant role in public perception. "There are many in the league who believe Draymond should face suspension," Smith revealed. While he stopped short of agreeing with those calls, he acknowledged that Green’s history complicates matters. "This is guilt by association—his resume and what he’s done in the past."
“He cost the Warriors a playoff berth”, says Smith
Smith referenced Green’s track record, including 20 ejections and six suspensions, to explain why fans and analysts react so strongly to his actions. "Last year, he cost the Warriors a playoff berth when they were the fifth-best team in the league with him on the court," Smith said, stressing how Green’s fiery demeanour has occasionally hindered his team.
The ESPN analyst also noted that Green's actions are scrutinized more intensely than those of other players. "When it’s Draymond, it’s not going to be typical... because of his history, we’re going to be talking about him in a broader context," Smith explained.
While Green’s incident with Edey may not lead to suspension, Smith’s comments underline the ongoing tension between the forward's pivotal role on the court and his contentious reputation off it. For Green, who has been integral to the Warriors’ success, moments like this only add to the complex narrative surrounding his career.