Heat legend sends strong message to Draymond Green
Udonis Haslem believes that Draymond Green has lost sight of his role within the Golden State Warriors rotation.
The Miami Heat legend respects the fact Green is an enforcer for his team. However, he thinks the Warriors veteran has been going about things in the wrong way by looking for trouble rather than trying to prevent it.
Haslem's comments came via a recent episode of "The OGs Show" podcast.
“Draymond, man, you’re out of pocket,” Haslem said. (h/t HeatNation for the transcription) “You’re out of pocket. I f— with Draymond, man. There’s only so many warriors in this league, guys that are going to take that tech, going to take that foul, and protect their teammates. But we don’t start that s—. We don’t start it. We ain’t bullies. We don’t look for it. We don’t initiate it. We are guys that prevent it. We are guys that protect our teammates. So, man, I got a lot of respect for Draymond man. But right now, Draymond tripping.”
Green was recently handed an indefinite suspension by the NBA. His recent antics have been piling up, and clearly, the league decided they needed to take action.
Haslem spent 20 years in the league. He saw the game evolve and played against some of the more physical teams over the past two decades. As such, he understands the importance Green has for the Warriors and how his presence empowers those around him.
However, Haslem also knows what it takes to be a locker room leader and a true veteran to the younger players on a team. Green would be wise to take note of Haslem's comments on his situation. He can learn from someone who was viewed as an important member of his franchise despite rarely playing in his final few years.
Green will likely be consuming what is being said about him in the media and by his peers. And he will likely understand his need to learn from his current situation.
However, being called out by a player who epitomized professionalism and commitment to his team will undoubtedly sting Green, but that might be a good thing.
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