Draymond Green Roasts Charles Barkley Over His Rockets Years

Kenny Smith immediately turned the attention to Draymond Green. At 36, the Warriors forward is still on a hunt for another championship. In response, Green landed a personal jab, saying, “I think the goal is just not to look like you in the Houston Rockets uniform. It’s ultimately the goal for us.”

Chuck didn’t interrupt as Draymond Green continued to explain how he viewed success as a veteran in the league. But before getting into Green’s explanation, Charles Barkley’s Rockets tenure needs context. He joined Houston at 33 to chase his first ring, playing alongside Hakeem Olajuwon and Clyde Drexler.

He stayed there for four seasons before retiring at 36. Despite the recurring injuries and diminishing athleticism, he averaged 16.5 ppg, 12.2 rpg, 3.9 apg in 183 outings. Nevertheless, Barkley himself admitted in a Sports Illustrated interview that the only season he felt unfit and demotivated was with the Rockets. 

“The only year I felt fat was my last year in Houston.”

Now, in the twilight of his career, Green is intent on avoiding the same fate that met Barkley. However, success doesn’t look the same as it once did in Golden State.

What success means to Draymond Green now

Green shifted the conversation toward the Warriors’ injury concerns heading into next season. “Jimmy’s going to miss a lot of next year. Moses is going to miss a lot of next year. That’s $70 million. $75 million of a, what, $160 million payroll. So it’s going to be tough,” said Green.

Both players suffered season-ending knee injuries and will miss a major part of the regular season, leaving the Warriors with limited depth due to projected absences. Following that, he explained he viewed success as a veteran. 

“As you get older, you have to redefine what success is, right? Still the most sellouts in the NBA. Still the most national TV games in the NBA. And you just want to give yourself a chance. Success may not be for us at this point,” said Green. 

With Steve Kerr’s return decision yet to be made, the Warriors have a lot to work on this summer.