Draymond Green has never been afraid to speak his mind. But the Golden State Warriors star might have gone a little overboard with his recent comments against 2012 NBA Draft classmate Andrew Nicholson.
During the July 3 episode of “Podcast P with Paul George,” Green was asked by George about which player drafted ahead of him in 2012 was the “most ridiculous one” to the Warriors veteran.
It’s clear that sort of question comes loaded for the sake of content. However, Green took it to another level by naming Nicholson and going on an entire rant against the St. Bonaventure product.
“Andrew Nicholson was drafted over me at 19. When it comes to winning, half the battle is looking like a basketball player,” Green told George. “When you’re on a team, and you look at the other side of the floor, and if you see guys that don’t look like basketball players, you automatically lose respect.
“This guy doesn’t even really look like a basketball player. He has a weird body shape. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t have the body of Adonis. … That was one that really, really, really pissed me off.”
Green also mocked Nicholson’s speaking voice and his manner of walking.
A couple of weeks later, Nicholson made an appearance on “Hip Hop Hoops” to share his reaction to Green’s viral comments. The former Orlando Magic first-round pick began by calling Green’s tirade a sign of insecurity, before mixing in a subtle jab at his reading ability.
“Honestly, it’s kind of unfortunate and I see it as an insecurity on his end. … I didn’t know he was thinking about me for the last 11 years. I wasn’t thinking about you, I’m going to be honest with you,” Nicholson said.
Nicholson then went on to state that he’s always wished nothing but success for his fellow members of the 2012 NBA Draft class – Green included.
“The most unfortunate part about it is that … I see the guys in my draft class, [Anthony] Davis, [Damian] Lillard. Those guys who are actually succeeding. Draymond was one of them too. I was happy to see him succeed. Maybe it’s just the way I was raised, but I like seeing guys do well — even if they’re drafted above me, or drafted below me.”
Players claiming that they’re better than other players is commonplace in sports. In fact, it’s often encouraged and seen as a sign of confidence. But insults against other players for their looks and mannerisms rather than abilities on the court feel a tad excessive.
Nicholson played five seasons in the NBA after finishing his physics degree at St. Bonaventure. He has since played for several teams in Asia since leaving the NBA following the 2016-17 season.
More must-reads: