At this stage in his career, Draymond Green is clear about what he wants in the NBA. In an appearance on the "Club 520" podcast, he said it would be a "waste" of his time just to try to reach the first or second round of the postseason. Instead, competing for the Larry O'Brien Trophy is his goal with the Golden State Warriors . Otherwise, he would rather miss the playoffs.
But Green probably should have avoided bringing the Indiana Pacers as his example of a team already content with reaching the playoffs.
"After winning four championships and making the playoffs and losing in the first round, I'd rather not, or second round," he said . "I'd rather go home and enjoy my summer than go out in the first, second round and not have a real chance. ... At no point are they gonna hear, 'Yo, fellas. We got to make the playoffs.' Don't waste my time.
"We trying to win championships. That's the talk. But making the playoffs, that's some Indiana Pacers talk."
Green vs. the Pacers
The former Defensive Player of the Year might have forgotten that Indiana actually made it farther than his squad in the 2023-24 campaign. While the Warriors flamed out in the play-in tournament, the Pacers reached the Eastern Conference Finals by defeating the Milwaukee Bucks and New York Knicks in the first two rounds.
However, only a few folks believe Indy can repeat its conference finals run in the following seasons. The team might have a deep and talented roster, but other contenders, such as the Boston Celtics, Philadelphia 76ers, Knicks, and Bucks, are more favored to win the East.
Perhaps Green is just trying to continue poking fun at the Pacers after they poked a Stephen Curry-sized bear in the 2022-23 season when they defeated Golden State and ran their mouths.
Related: Draymond Green on how Rich Paul helped him buy his first house in Los Angeles: "I'm not letting ya'll buy this house"
Green should walk the talk
Dray might have to watch his back because some of the Pacers faithful may have already bookmarked the video and will be ready to use it as ammo against him if the Dubs falter in the first or second round of the 2025 playoffs.
However, securing a playoff spot might be wishful thinking for the Warriors forward, especially after the squad saw Klay Thompson leave town. On the other hand, it brought in reinforcements, such as Buddy Hield, De'Anthony Melton, and Kyle Anderson, and is banking on the continuous improvement of its youngsters, Jonathan Kuminga, Brandin Podziemski, and Moses Moody.
Would that be enough to lift Golden State ahead of other West contenders, including the Dallas Mavericks, Oklahoma City Thunder, Denver Nuggets, Minnesota Timberwolves, or other dark-horse teams? Charles Barkley, along probably with other pundits, doesn't think so, arguing that Green and Stephen Curry are already past their prime .
Maybe Draymond will actually get his wish by the end of the 2024-25 regular season. But instead of fighting for the title, he could head to Cancun early.
Related: "He the point guard. He getting the rebound, pushing the ball" - Jeff Teague on why he hated playing against Draymond Green
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