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Twelve years ago, Draymond Green made his National Basketball Association (NBA) debut with the Golden State Warriors, joining a young, emerging roster led by Stephen Curry. At the time, Curry was already beginning to establish himself as a rising star in the league, but Green’s arrival marked the beginning of a transformative partnership. Their bond grew as the Warriors laid the foundation for what would become a dominant dynasty in the NBA, often facing off against Chris Paul and the Los Angeles Clippers in high-stakes matchups.
A rookie’s insight: Green creates a rift between Curry and Paul
In a recent episode of The Draymond Green Show with Baron Davis, Green shared a surprising revelation about his early role in shaping Curry's competitive edge. Reflecting on the 2012 season, Green recalled how he deliberately sowed discord between Curry and Chris Paul, who at the time was widely regarded as one of the league’s top point guards.
"Chris Paul was the top dog at point guard. So, I come in, and I’m watching him and Steph’s relationship, and I’m like, ‘That ain’t gonna work for us to be who we want to be,’” Green said. His plan was simple, for the Warriors to rise above their competition, he had to challenge Curry’s dynamic with Paul, especially as Paul played a mentor-like role to Curry early in his career.
Green went on to explain how he strategically fueled a rift between the two, believing that Paul was using his bond with Curry to keep the Warriors star from reaching his full potential. “I start being messy in between and creating a rift, because I’m like, ‘I need this rift in order for us to be able to move ahead of them.’” This calculated move set the stage for the Warriors’ future dominance, particularly against the Clippers, who were a formidable opponent in the West during that period.
The fallout: Green’s relationship with Chris Paul
Green also opened up about the personal fallout from his actions, revealing that his relationship with Paul was affected by his interference. "They were super tight. I intentionally started creating a rift because I felt like CP was using that to his advantage. And then as I’m creating a rift with them, me and CP (clashed). And under no circumstance did I even want to correct it," Green admitted.
This move, while controversial, played a crucial role in setting up one of the most memorable rivalries in the NBA. The Warriors' intense clashes with the Clippers, led by Paul, would go on to become some of the most compelling matchups in the Western Conference for years.
Green’s lasting impact on the Warriors
While his early rivalry tactics are noteworthy, Draymond Green's contributions to the Warriors’ success go far beyond interpersonal dynamics. Over his 12 seasons with the team, Green has been an indispensable part of the Warriors’ championship-caliber roster. Known for his versatility and leadership, Green has averaged 8.7 points per game throughout his career, with a .525 field goal percentage and 7 rebounds per game.
As one of the key figures in Golden State’s success, Green’s defensive prowess and high basketball IQ have been vital to their multiple title runs. His leadership both on and off the court has cemented his place as one of the franchise’s most influential players. With the Warriors still competing at the highest level, Green remains a cornerstone in their ongoing pursuit of NBA supremacy.
