Draymond Green is right — he's more than Stephen Curry's sidekick

Stephen Curry and Draymond Green hold the NBA record for the longest active pair of teammates with one franchise, having been with the Golden State Warriors since 2009 and 2012, respectively. 

As integral as Green has been to Golden State winning four NBA titles since 2015, he is routinely pigeonholed as Curry's sidekick, with many claiming he has been fortunate to ride the coattails of the sport's greatest-ever shooter. Some NBA legends, such as Oscar Robertson, have downplayed Green's contributions to the point where they've questioned his value, beyond just passing the ball to Curry.

Living in Stephen Curry's shadow

A lot of those criticisms have been unjust, and triggered by Green's underwhelming career stats of 8.7 points, 6.9 rebounds and 5.6 assists. As the old cliche goes, the depth of his contributions doesn't show up on the box score, something Warriors fans will vouch for.

In an interview with NBC Sports Bay Area's Kerith Burke, Green opened up about being viewed as a footnote in Curry's success story.

"I don't think there's any bigger Steph fan than me," he said. "I don't think there's any bigger supporter, I don't think there's any bigger believer. I don't think there's anyone that will gracefully take a back seat to that and enjoy it. So, no, I never feel that — and in large part, probably because he would never let me feel that."

Draymond Green responds to criticism

Green emphasized that the only validation he values is from Curry himself, and he couldn't care less about anyone else's opinions.

"Everybody else can say what they say, and that's fine, but I know how he feels," Green stressed. "And as long as I know how the man feels, that's good enough for me, you know, I know the love and support and appreciation that he has for me. If I'm not appreciated by one other person, what other one really matters if he does?"

Curry has been more than appreciative of Green's contributions over the years. In 2023, he called Green "the smartest basketball player" he has ever played with, citing the forward's ability to make timely passes and read opponent defenses. Earlier this year, he called Green "the leader" of the Warriors while congratulating the Michigan State alum on winning the NBA Hustle award. Curry also felt his teammate had been robbed of a second Defensive Player of the Year honor. 

Green and Curry will begin their 14th season as teammates when the Warriors face the Los Angeles Lakers on Oct. 21.