Draymond Green went viral for his heated exchange with Charles Barkley on *Inside the NBA*, where Barkley claimed the Warriors' title contention was over. Green responded sharply, referencing Barkley's own career with the Houston Rockets.
Key points
Draymond Green filled in for Shaquille O'Neal on *Inside the NBA*
Charles Barkley claimed the Warriors' title contention is over
Green referenced Barkley's career with the Houston Rockets
Mentioned in this story
Draymond GreenCharles Barkley
Golden State WarriorsHouston Rockets
Draymond Green addresses his viral interaction with Charles Barkley. Credit: ESPN; Audacy
Credit: ESPN; Audacy
Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green is never afraid of a verbal altercation, whether that’s on the hardwood or in a broadcast studio.
While filling in for Shaquille O’Neal on Wednesday night’s edition of Inside the NBA on ESPN, Green went viral for a moment he had with Charles Barkley after the Hall of Famer told him bluntly that Golden State’s days as a title contender were finished. Green, who has been a critical contributor to four titles with the Warriors, wasn’t having it.
“I think the goal is just to not look like you in the Houston Rockets uniform is ultimately the goal for us,” Green said, referring to the end of Barkley’s career.
The exchange led to an awkward atmosphere in the studio for the rest of the broadcast, and Green addressed things on Saturday’s episode of his podcast, The Draymond Green Show.
“The reason that I would even say that is what Chuck makes fun about in his career is actually the last two years in Houston,” he explained.
“‘I was going to get that free money,’ that’s what he says. Everybody tried to make it like this whole ‘Ahh man Draymond think he better than Chuck.’ I found that interesting because what it shows is how bad y’all want me to do bad.”
“The disrespect ain’t the intent, so if that’s the way it’s viewed as public disrespect, I can gladly publicly apologize. Disrespect wasn’t my intent,” Green added.
Green also said that Kenny Smith called him after the show and told Green that he had misheard the joke, and would have played off of it if he had heard things correctly.
Q&A
What did Draymond Green say to Charles Barkley on *Inside the NBA*?
Draymond Green responded to Charles Barkley's claim that the Warriors' title contention was over by emphasizing the importance of not resembling Barkley's final years with the Houston Rockets.
Why did Draymond Green's interaction with Charles Barkley go viral?
The exchange went viral due to its intensity and Green's sharp rebuttal to Barkley's blunt criticism of the Warriors' future as title contenders.
What is the significance of Draymond Green's comments about the Warriors?
Green's comments highlight his determination to continue competing at a high level and challenge the narrative that the Warriors are no longer contenders.
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Ultimately, it seems as if it was just an awkward misunderstanding during a live studio show that went viral. Barkley is already laughing about it, and he said that he didn’t take it personally. Green will be back on Inside the NBA, and don’t expect any bad blood between him and Barkley when he returns.