During a discussion with The Athletic, the Warriors center provided a glimpse into the competitive mindset of the 20-year-old. Reflecting on the earlier scrimmages during the mini-camps, the 28-year-old highlighted the ultra-ambitious nature of the point guard. Following that, Looney shared his views on the 6ft 4″ youngster’s declaration to average triple-doubles, stating, “That’s pretty bold”.

Yet, the desire of the 2023 draft pick failed to surprise the 3x champion as he revealed the underlying reason behind it. “I know most Wisconsin guards have that crazy confidence to them. [Jordan] Poole. Tyler Herro. He has got a delusion to him that makes him good,” the 6ft 9″ star proclaimed.

“He’s got a delusion to him that makes him good.”- Loon on Podz pic.twitter.com/fAgfGx8e2q

— warriorsworld (@warriorsworld) February 20, 2024

The interaction captured the Warriors center’s faith in the rising talent while simultaneously respecting his gameplay. Being from Wisconsin, Looney has come across several such backcourt facilitators throughout his journey. That’s why, the fearless approach could not shock the 2015 draft pick. Rather the latter only further validated it by drawing its parallels with his contemporaries.

The confidence of Brandin Podziemski has started paying its dividends

During the pre-season, the newcomer defeated two NBA icons in the form of Stephen Curry and Chris Paul in a King of the Court contest. The Warriors rookie took things up by a notch as he taunted the veterans throughout the process. In fact, soon after securing the triumph, “He did the Tiger (Woods) fist-pump,” as per CP3 to assert dominance.

Brandin Podziemski is a winner through and through pic.twitter.com/clxupSOosm

— What are NBA Celebs Upto? (@NBACelebsUpdate) February 21, 2024

Alongside the guards, Podz has built a unique rapport with the team’s forward, Draymond Green. His repeated mocking threats towards the 4x champion had already been subjected to warnings. Yet, the courageous displays sustained as the Wisconsin-born made fun of the 33-year-old by sharing the latter’s old photos. “I still gotta popcorn his car,” the 6ft 6″ star eventually declared to respond to the callouts.

pic.twitter.com/xIS21QRKPT

— warriorsworld (@warriorsworld) February 20, 2024

Amidst the expressive nature, the meticulous and methodical approach of the youngster has received praise from his seniors. It has already resulted in six double-doubles this season, the most by a Warriors player this season. Because of this, the 20-year-old has maintained his position in the top 5 of the rookie rankings as the franchise remains hopeful of his progress in the coming seasons.

The post “Most Wisconsin Guards Have That Crazy Confidence”: Brandin Podziemski’s ‘Boldness’ Left Warriors Vet in Awe appeared first on The SportsRush.

During the beginning of the All-Star Weekend, Jamal Crawford was seen teaching a few moves to Victor Wembanyama to improve the latter’s handles.

Over the weekend, during the podcast, Draymond Green asked JC to talk about Wemby. Crawford, who is known for his excellent analysis, believed that Gregg Popovich will be responsible for the 7ft 4” youngster’s success. Before recalling an incident that left Crawford in awe of the European, the three-time Sixth Man of the Year revealed how he wasn’t sure what Wemby’s best attribute was.

“Before he came in the league, I said he obviously has a cheat code in Pop, right? But I said his skill, whatever he does best early, we don’t know. But, Pop’s going to play him to his strength… The cheat is Pop though because I don’t think Wemby’s best attribute is scoring. I’m not sure what it is right now,” Crawford claimed.

As surprising as it may sound, despite the surreal hype, Crawford believes that the 20-year-old is better than what he’s projected to be.

“He’s actually better than the hype. It’s insane,” Crawford boldly claimed.

Wembanyama has arguably been the most hyped player to enter the NBA since LeBron James. Some analysts even claimed that Wemby needed to have a Hall-of-Fame type career in order to live up to all the expectations. Despite the fans’ lofty demands so far, the San Antonio Spurs big man has been meeting the expectations, averaging 20.5 points, 10 rebounds, and 3.2 blocks per game this season.

Victor Wembanyama talks about his rookie season

Over the All-Star Weekend, Victor Wembanyama was a part of TNT’s broadcast, answering questions that Charles Barkley, Shaquille O’Neal, Kenny Smith, and Ernie Johnson Jr. had prepared for him.

Wemby spoke about his rookie year experience, so far, explaining how he’s been lucky to learn what he has and face the many challenges he did.

“It’s been a pleasure also to be on that court and experience this. I’ve learned so much in just a couple months more than in any little span like this before in my life and just living the dream… It’s been a lot of challenges, it’s been hard but I wouldn’t want it to be easy,” Wemby said.

Wemby also said that the constant losing has been extremely tough for him.

“I think actually this (losing) has been the one of the hard things you know this season,” Wembanyama said.

To be fair, the San Antonio Spurs weren’t expected to be a playoff-contending team. At the same time, fans wouldn’t even expect them to sit dead last in the Western Conference standings.

In terms of individual performance, Wemby’s incredible production has been one of the very few positive takeaways for the Texas side. It won’t be surprising to see the Spurs center win the Rookie of the Year once the 2023-24 season gets over.

The post “The Cheat Code Is…”: Jamal Crawford and Draymond Green Discuss Victor Wembanyama’s ‘Greatest Strength’ During All-Star Weekend appeared first on The SportsRush.

Podziemski isn’t apprehensive about challenging the Warriors’ superstars despite being a rookie. A report by The Athletic revealed that the rookie guard arranged a quiz competition that involved money. Thompson was hesitant to participate, which prompted Podziemski to remind him that he was participating in the quiz despite earning $4.05 million a year, $39.86 Million less than Klay’s salary for the 2023-24 season.

The rookie’s jibe did not sit well with the four-time NBA champion, who told him to stop “pocket-watching.”

pic.twitter.com/DbAiFWKleJ

— warriorsworld (@warriorsworld) February 20, 2024

Podziemski’s lack of fear in calling out Thompson for refusing to participate in the quiz despite the $39.86 million difference in their salaries showcases his mentality. He believed in his ability to win the quiz, despite money being at stake, and wasn’t willing to take no for an answer from the 34-year-old.

Podziemski’s confidence is commendable and indicates why the Warriors trust him to close games despite his rookie status.

Brandin Podziemski is not afraid to call out Draymond Green

Draymond Green has been the vocal and emotional leader of the Warriors since his sophomore season. The veteran forward has gotten into a public spat with teammates and is often the first to call them out if he spots them lacking on the court. While most rookies only listen to what Green says, Podziemski isn’t afraid to call out the veteran forward and give him a taste of his medicine.

Before the Warriors’ second game of the season, the team had set up a scrimmage between the starters and the rotation players. Green and Podziemski were on the same team and lost the game after the veteran turned the ball over. The rookie immediately criticized the veteran and left him astonished. However, Green took it in stride, saying,

“I was like, ‘OK, cool, you got it. No problem. Here we are playing a pick-up game, a game to get me ready and he’s yelling at me. That to me said a whole lot. I was like, ‘You know what? No problem. But make sure you speak up like that all the time.’”

Podz getting at Dray over a turnover during scrimmage

Via @anthonyVslater

Link: https://t.co/rl1RDS11IU pic.twitter.com/a3XrGr8qyx

— warriorsworld (@warriorsworld) February 20, 2024

The Warriors are encouraging Podziemski’s leadership and are benefitting from it. The team has a history of turning guards into superstars, and he could be the latest to join the ranks of Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Jordan Poole in leading the franchise to glory.

The post Despite Earning More Than Brandin Podziemski, Klay Thompson Hit Warriors Rookie With ‘Pocket Watching’ Claim appeared first on The SportsRush.

In The Athletic’s recent feature on Brandin Podziemski, Anthony Slater narrated several stories from the youngster’s rookie campaign. As detailed by Slater, the 6ft 5” guard proved his worth during the preseason camp by defeating two of the greatest point guards of all time – Stephen Curry and Chris Paul – ever in a “King of the Court” style one-on-one contest.

Slater detailed how Podziemski was also chirping at the two future Hall-Of-Famers. While CP3 remembered the Tiger Woods-style fist-pump that the 20-year-old did, Steph recollected how the latter was not afraid to taunt the veterans. Anthony Slater wrote:

The rookie was giving it to two of the greatest to ever do it at the point guard position and alerting anyone within earshot of the damage.

“He did the Tiger (Woods) fist-pump,” Paul said, shaking his head.

“‘Let’s f—g go!’” Curry remembers him taunting. “That was hilarious.”

Brandin Podziemski is a winner through and through pic.twitter.com/clxupSOosm

— What are NBA Celebs Upto? (@NBACelebsUpdate) February 21, 2024

Despite being the youngest player on the Golden State Warriors roster, the Southpaw plays with a tremendous amount of courage, putting his body on the line on every single play. Having a fearless mentality and not being afraid to call out his teammates is something that the Warriors have appreciated and benefitted from massively this season. ‘Podz’ is now a key member of the Warriors’ rotation, and is even started by head coach Steve Kerr on occasion. And it’s hard not to give credit to his unyielding confidence for the same.

Brandin Podziemski called out Draymond Green for a turnover

Draymond Green is the leader of the Golden State Warriors, who often gives his piece of mind to players when he feels fit. However, Green was on the receiving end when Brandin Podziemski was frustrated with the defensive specialist’s costly turnover.

During a scrimmage, Podz’s side lost a game due to Dray’s mistake. Despite being a rookie, the combo guard decided to speak up and call the four-time champ out.

“We can’t have a turnover for game!” Podziemski told Green. “You cannot turn the ball over for game.”

Since taking on the leadership role for the Bay Area side, Green hasn’t had any player, let alone a rookie, address him that way. However, the four-time All-Star wasn’t hurt. Instead, he appreciated Brandin and asked him to speak up “all the time”.

“I was like, ‘OK, cool, you got it. No problem,’” Green said. “Here we are playing a pick-up game, a game to get me ready and he’s yelling at me. That to me said a whole lot. I was like, ‘You know what? No problem. But make sure you speak up like that all the time.’”

Podz getting at Dray over a turnover during scrimmage

Via @anthonyVslater

Link: https://t.co/rl1RDS11IU pic.twitter.com/a3XrGr8qyx

— warriorsworld (@warriorsworld) February 20, 2024

Brandin Podziemski has proven to be a crucial player for Steve Kerr. After taking a few months to find his rhythm, averaging 6 points, 2.1 assists, and 5.9 rebounds in October and November, Kerr increased the youngster’s minutes from December onwards.

He’s even started 14 games this season and has been an asset on both ends of the floor. For the season, he’s averaging a staggering 9.9 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game. Even after Chris Paul makes his return to the lineup from injury, Podz gives the Warriors the luxury of having three playmaking guards on the roster.

Brandin Podziemski will play a crucial role in the remainder of the season as the Warriors make a playoff push.

The post “Did the Tiger Woods Fist Pump!”: Chris Paul and Stephen Curry Recall Rookie Brandin Podziemski Beating Them in ‘King of the Court’ appeared first on The SportsRush.

Only a handful of players have had the luxury of getting a farewell tour. In November 2015, Los Angeles Lakers superstar Kobe Bryant announced 15 games into the season that he’d retire at the end of the 2015-16 campaign. The Lakers’ roster was equipped to earn a playoff spot, making the rest of the season all about celebrating the five-time NBA champion’s career. Bryant was felicitated with gifts and tribute videos at every arena in the NBA, including the Lakers’ arch-nemesis Boston Celtics‘ TD Garden.

While Bryant received adulation at every arena, not every icon’s final season was met with the same fanfare. In September 2016, Paul Pierce announced that the 2016-17 season would be his last in the NBA. His farewell tour paled in comparison to Bryant’s, and Golden State Warriors star Draymond Green even used it to mock the former Finals MVP.

In February 2017, Pierce’s Los Angeles Clippers visited the Warriors’ Oracle Arena. Less than a minute into the game, Green got into a verbal spat with the forward, who was on the bench, and said,

“Chasing that farewell tour, they don’t love you like that. You can’t get no farewell tour, they don’t love you like that. You ain’t got that type of love. You thought you was Kobe.”

A farewell tour is a distinction only a few players in NBA history have earned. Bryant is the most recent recipient, and it’ll be a while before we see another player get showered with love like he was in his final season.

LeBron James contemplating a farewell tour

The next player to retire from the NBA with a resume comparable to Kobe Bryant’s will likely be LeBron James. The four-time NBA champion turned 39 in December 2023 and recently was asked about his potential retirement date during the All-Star weekend in Indiana. He revealed he doesn’t know when he’ll leave the sport but knows he doesn’t have too many years left.

The Lakers superstar was asked if he would announce his retirement a year in advance and embark on a farewell tour. He claimed he’s 50/50 on announcing it beforehand and retiring out of the blue like San Antonio Spurs icon Tim Duncan. He said,

“There’s times when I feel like I guess I owe it to my fans that have been along this journey with me for two decades plus, to be able to give them that moment where it’s every city and whatever the case may be and they give you your flowers or whatever the case may be… But the other side of I’ve never been that great with accepting like praise. It’s a weird feeling for me. I never really talked about it much, but it’s just a weird feeling for me.” 

Given his accomplishments, it’s a no-brainer that James should embark on a farewell tour. However, unlike Bryant in his final few seasons, he’s still playing at an All-NBA level. Announcing his retirement beforehand while still producing at an elite level might not be wise. It’s unclear what the best path for James is, but he deserves to be celebrated in every arena like Bryant was in his final year.

The post What Is a Farewell Tour in the NBA? Looking Back at Draymond Green’s Diss on Paul Pierce About Kobe Bryant’s Farewell Tour appeared first on The SportsRush.

“Good luck in the Play-in.” 

Chuck took a jibe at Dray’s Warriors which are out of the top-six contention and fighting for a Play-in tournament spot. Amidst the burst of laughter, a jovial Green then replied, “You’re not acting like that!” Further. the Warriors forward prepared a strong comeback and took shots at Barkley’s lack of rings in the NBA. The 4x Champion clapped back with “Here Chuck. Take my ring.”

Charles Barkley to Draymond:

“Good luck in the play-in.”

Dray: “Here Chuck. Take my ring.” pic.twitter.com/caqTuQmbYO

— Oh no he didn’t (@ohnohedidnt24) February 19, 2024

Green truly took a page out of O’Neal’s book and had to resort to him having zero NBA titles. At this point, Barkley isn’t fazed by such a jibe because 4x champion Shaq has used it on him for more than a decade at this point. In one instance, when Shaq was explaining why he chose a particular jersey number during different stops in his basketball career, Barkley joked that he chose 33 for the Cavaliers because “that’s how many points he had in two months.” To which O’Neal replied, “When I had four rings and you had none.”

As for Green, the Warriors’ 27-26 record is a huge concern. While they are 2.5 games ahead of the Utah Jazz and have a firm grip on the 10th place, the latter can still turn it around. At any rate, while Green’s Warriors may be struggling a bit, he had his fair share of fun as a commentator for the All-Star Game. Things are surely looking up lately for the Bay Area as in their last 10 games, they have won eight. Apart from Stephen Curry and Green, who are PPG and RPG leaders of the team, respectively, 

Draymond Green and Charles Barkley roasted each other all night

Barkley’s ability to grill others is well-known and Green was on the receiving end multiple times. During one of the interactions, the Inside the NBA analyst asked Green, “You know who was asking about you the other day?’

Upon asking, the former 76ers forward hilariously replied, “Nobody”.

Charles Barkley: “You know what’s funny about that? You know who was asking about you the other day?”

Draymond Green: “Who?”

Charles Barkley: “Nobody!” pic.twitter.com/bkppn3rXvL

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) February 19, 2024

In another instance, Draymond Green opined that the All-Star-Game should never be in Indiana since it’s “too cold” here. To which Barkley alluded to the Warriors’ home city San Francisco and took a shot at their crime rate and homelessness. Charles Barkley clapped, “If you had a chance to play in cold or be around a bunch of homeless cro*ks in San Francisco?” adding, “You can’t walk around San Francisco.”

Charles Barkley hates San Francisco pic.twitter.com/iBxEZTj0mI

— Alex (@Dubs408) February 19, 2024

Amidst a rather underwhelming All-Star Game experience, the interactions between these two personalities made for an intriguing viewing. TNT’s plan to bring two unfiltered personalities made waves among fans. However, arguably, it was Barkley whose roasting skills stood on top.

The post “Good Luck in the Play In”: Charles Barkley Goes at Draymond Green and the Warriors’ Dismal 10th Place in the West appeared first on The SportsRush.

According to recent reports, the Golden State Warriors approached the Los Angeles Lakers with an unsuccessful bid to acquire LeBron James. According to Charles Barkley, the Bay Area side might not have added Jonathan Kuminga to the deal. Barkley told Draymond Green, leader of the GSW, that Rob Pelinka would accept any offer with Kuminga. Even if it meant parting ways with LBJ.

“If the Warriors are stupid enough to give up Kuminga for LeBron, let me tell you something, the Lakers will take that trade tomorrow. If the Lakers can get Klay and Kuminga, they do that deal tomorrow,” Barkley said.

Immediately after, Draymond Green simply stated that he had said no to any deal that involved JK getting traded.

Green said, “If it’s Kuminga then the answer’s no.”

“The one thing the NBA does not want to see, is Anthony Davis & Kuminga together for the next 10 years. That would be scary!”

Chuck asked Draymond about recent Lakers-Warriors trade rumors

Catch the NBA All-Star Game #ALTCAST now on TruTV pic.twitter.com/VNGiftjK8A

— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) February 19, 2024

Jonathan Kuminga is one of the most talented youngsters in the league. With Klay Thompson’s dip in production, the forward has emerged as the team’s 2^nd scoring option and has been thriving in his new role. Undoubtedly, JK will further improve and perform at the All-NBA level that he was projected to be. However, the Warriors would much rather have LeBron James on their roster.

The trio of Curry, Green, and Thompson are entering their late 30s. The organization would much rather capitalize on their dominance while they are still in the prime of their prowess. With LeBron James added to the squad, the Warriors’ chances will significantly increase as compared to Kuminga playing the small forward position for Steve Kerr.

Stephen Curry and LeBron James react to the trade rumors

During the All-Star Weekend, Stephen Curry and LeBron James were asked for their opinions about the trade rumors. Curry stated how he wasn’t surprised to learn that his franchise was attempting to make a push for his long-time rival. However, he did reveal being surprised in regards to the news of the same being leaked.

“A guy like Bron, you would probably call just to see… It’s always a surprise when stuff like that gets out because I’m assuming that every team is making calls that if every fanbase or media group would know about it,” Curry said.

LeBron James crushed all remaining hopes of the Dub Nation. Apart from stating that he heard about the news “when everyone else did”, the 6ft 9” forward also claimed that the deal was not even “real” enough to be brought to him.

“It didn’t go far at all, I heard about it when everyone else did,” LeBron said. “Sometimes there conversations behind closed doors that you don’t even know about. If it’s real or not, then they’ll bring it to you. But it never even got to me.”

“I actually heard about it when everybody else heard about it.”

LeBron says he was unaware of Warriors trade rumors pic.twitter.com/ospvgyxWqt

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) February 19, 2024

Both teams – the Warriors and the Lakers – are struggling this season. While the LA side is 9^th in the standings, the San Francisco side is right behind them in 10^th. While it doesn’t seem as though the star players are being traded, the front offices of both teams need to figure out a way to add more firepower to the roster to help win the championship.

The post Charles Barkley Ponders Over The Warriors Being “Stupid Enough” To Trade For LeBron James In Exchange For Jonathan Kuminga appeared first on The SportsRush.

During the third quarter, the veteran forward tussled for an offensive rebound with Clippers center Ivica Zubac. A taller Zubac accidentally caught Green on the chin with his elbow, sending the Warriors star to the floor. Despite the veteran clutching his face and lying on the floor, the game continued for over 30 seconds before the Warriors took a timeout to allow their medical staff to assess the injury.

Draymond went to the locker room after taking an elbow to the face pic.twitter.com/beV68Dlncy

— Warriors on NBCS (@NBCSWarriors) February 15, 2024

Green was taken to the locker room for further evaluation. He cleared the concussion tests, returned to the game, and helped the Warriors secure a 130-125 win.

On Wednesday, the Gil’s Arena podcast crew discussed the incident involving Green and Zubac. Retired NBA star Kenyon Martin was displeased by the Warriors star’s reaction to getting elbowed. He claimed that the contact wasn’t severe enough for Green to hit the floor and stay there for multiple plays before exiting the game and heading to the locker room. He said,

“You can’t be out here punching people, slapping people and choking people, and you can’t take that [elbow]? So if a motherf***er punch you, it’s over. “If a motherf**ka punch you, it’s a wrap! That’s what you tellin’ me… That s**t didn’t hurt. You can’t lay out there when you’re choking motherf**kers!” 

“If a motherf**ka punch you, it’s a wrap! That’s what you tellin’ me! Hell no! Hell no! F**ck no, Gilbert!”

Kenyon Martin BLASTS Draymond in response to Zubac’s elbow pic.twitter.com/L9KESrYpY1

— Gilbert Arenas (@GilsArenaShow) February 15, 2024

Martin added that Green should have gotten up immediately after realizing the referees did not call a foul on Zubac. He claimed that Stephen Curry looked for him for an easy dunk after the Clippers scored on a 5-on-4 fast break, but he was still lying on the floor. Martin said Green is supposed to be physically menacing and have the mentality to retaliate. However, he was disappointed lying on the floor trying to sell a foul that the referees weren’t interested in calling.

Green is no stranger to committing egregious fouls and then accusing opponents of overselling the contact. However, he was indulging in the same act of trying to deceive the referees. However, watching Green lay on the floor while both teams continued playing was hilarious.

Jusuf Nurkic calls out Draymond Green for antics in Clippers game

Phoenix Suns star Jusuf Nurkic has been going back and forth with Draymond Green on social media since their altercation last Saturday. The center called out the veteran forward for staying on the floor after Zubac elbowed him in the face. He posted a GIF on X, formerly called Twitter, which said,

“You’re getting soft brother.”

https://t.co/CkSmQ5cg4M pic.twitter.com/uFuC5UC0M8

— Jusuf Nurkić (@bosnianbeast27) February 15, 2024

Nurkic and Green went after each other when the Warriors hosted the Suns at the Chase Center last Saturday. They both hit each other with the “too small” celebration after scoring a bucket.

In the post-game interview, Nurkic called out Green and said he hadn’t learned anything from his lengthy suspension for slapping him back in December. He said,

“Just a matter of time. He’s going to knock somebody else again. Take everything back what I said. He don’t deserve a chance.”

Green responded to Nurkic on his podcast, The Draymond Green Show, and called him a coward and ‘little man.’ The Suns star responded with a vicious jibe on X, formerly called Twitter, writing,

“All good, bad boy. Just don’t stay to long on podcast, gonna be late for therapy session.”

All good bad boy just don’t stay to long on podcast, gonna be late for therapy session.

— Jusuf Nurkić (@bosnianbeast27) February 13, 2024

Nurkic and Green won’t get the opportunity to rekindle their rivalry in the regular season. However, if the Suns and the Warriors meet in the playoffs, expect the duo to get into a verbal or physical altercation during the series.

The post “Can’t Lay Out There When You’re Choking Motherf**kers!”: Draymond Green’s Tussle With Ivica Zubac Has Kenyon Martin Irate appeared first on The SportsRush.

Green also believes that the incentive for participation in the dunk contest has faded. He even called for an entire revamp of the All-Star Weekend, and addressing his concerns further, he added,

“What I am getting at here is that can you call it the same NBA Dunk Contest that Dr J, Michael Jordan, Jason Richardson and Dominique Wilkins…like can we call this the same dunk contest that those guys were in? “

Green seems to have a point here. The Dunk Contest used to be full of All-Stars. The ’80s and ’90s saw the likes of Michael Jordan, Dominique Wilkins, and Kobe Bryant take part. As of today, the Dunk Contest is mostly reserved for rookies and bench players, with stars such as LeBron James and Zion Williamson refusing to be part of the lineup. This impacts fans’ interest in the event and defeats the purpose behind organizing such events. Additionally, the last time the slam dunk contest had some fire was in 2016.

The Dunk Contest needs more LaVine-Gordon

The numbers for the Dunk Contest have been declining for over a decade now (2023 had a record low viewership, 3.4 million), and the recent line-ups could be a major reason. The last time an All-Star participated in a dunk contest was back in 2014, when John Wall, Paul George, and Damian Lillard took part.

Even with the dunk contest being rather lackluster over the last decade or more, there have been times when the contest turned out to be a complete show-stopper. One such occasion was the 2016 Slam Dunk Contest. In that, Lavine would take on Aaron Gordon in the finals, and what happened next was one for the history books.

Both participants threw down 50-point bombs one after another, with LaVine finally sealing the deal with a between-the-legs free-throw line dunk. Even though fans remain divided as to who won the 2016 contest, the object was perfectly met by LaVine and Gordon. The Dunk Contest is supposed to be a spectacle like none other, a magical show of athletic and acrobatic prowess. It is surely surprising that the league isn’t able to incentivize its stars to participate in one of its most prestigious competitions.

The post Draymond Green Recalls Michael Jordan’s All-Star Dunk Contest to Claim G-League Players’ Presence Taking Away the Authenticity appeared first on The SportsRush.

Midway through the third quarter, Green was battling Clippers center Ivica Zubac for an offensive rebound underneath the rim when he took an accidental but vicious elbow to the chin and collapsed to the floor, clutching his face. The referees did not spot the elbow, and play continued for over 30 seconds while he was still lying on the floor.

Draymond went to the locker room after taking an elbow to the face pic.twitter.com/beV68Dlncy

— Warriors on NBCS (@NBCSWarriors) February 15, 2024

The Warriors took a timeout to let their medical staff have a look at Green, who got up gingerly and went back to the locker room to get evaluated for a concussion. The Warriors forward cleared the tests and returned to the game.

Nurkic trolled Green for not getting up immediately after getting elbowed in the face with a GIF featuring Cillian Murphy as Thomas Shelby saying,

“You’re getting soft brother.”

https://t.co/CkSmQ5cg4M pic.twitter.com/uFuC5UC0M8

— Jusuf Nurkić (@bosnianbeast27) February 15, 2024

Nurkic and Draymond have been going back and forth on social media since the two teams faced off on Monday. The duo have disdain for each other. Unfortunately, they won’t get to settle their differences on the court since the season series between the Suns and the Warriors is over. However, if the two teams meet in the playoffs, expect the two to get into a skirmish at some point during the series.

Jusuf Nurkic and Draymond Green’s beef history

On December 16th, Draymond Green was ejected against the Suns after elbowing Jusuf Nurkic in the face and was later slapped with an indefinite suspension, which saw the Warriors forward miss 16 games. In the post-game press conference, the Suns star did not mince words, saying,

“What’s going on with him? I don’t know. Personally, I feel like that brother needs help. I’m glad he didn’t try to choke me. At the same time, it ain’t nothing to do with basketball.”

“Personally, I feel like that brother needs help.”

Jusuf Nurkić responded after taking a punch from Draymond Green.

Wow! @NBA pic.twitter.com/HMvHwxH9RY

— BH Live (@BHlive_official) December 13, 2023

Green did not forget Nurkic’s comments and the two exchanged words and hit each other with the “too small” celebration during the Suns’ narrow loss to the Warriors last Saturday.

In a post-game interview, Nurkic dissed Green, saying,

“It’s sad. He didn’t learn anything, man. Just a matter of time. He’s going to knock somebody else again. Take everything back what I said. He don’t deserve a chance.”

“It’s sad. He didn’t learn anything. Just a matter of time. He’s going to hit somebody else again. Take back everything I said. He don’t deserve a chance.”

Jusuf Nurkic on Draymond Green, who got suspended after hitting him in face Dec. 12.

“Antics. Try to hit people.” #Suns pic.twitter.com/fEF2hLJuyS

— Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) February 11, 2024

Green responded to Nurkic on his podcast. He addressed the Suns star’s comments from December and after the loss on Sunday on the Draymond Green Show, saying,

“If you want to know the truth about that, I think all of it was really cowardly. … I think they all wack, both of them if you want my honest opinion… Quite frankly, I would love to know why is it only a matter of time before I hit someone else. Because I destroyed him? Because what in that game that happened with me would make you say something like that other than getting embarrassed because you’re just not good enough.”

Draymond Green roasts Jusuf Nurkic

( @TheVolumeSports) pic.twitter.com/PGOCMaNR5v

— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) February 13, 2024

Nurkic did not back down and took a personal jibe at Green on social media, writing,

“All good, bad boy. Just don’t stay to long on podcast, gonna be late for therapy session.”

All good bad boy just don’t stay to long on podcast, gonna be late for therapy session.

— Jusuf Nurkić (@bosnianbeast27) February 13, 2024

Green responded by calling him a “300-pound softy that can’t finish games” and plugged the link to the latest episode of his podcast.

Tap IN! Spoke in depth about the 300 pound softy that can’t finish games. Enjoy#TheNewMediahttps://t.co/D4l0qeEo5v https://t.co/OB5SGEqgPA

— Draymond Green (@Money23Green) February 13, 2024

After Nurkic’s latest jibe, it’s clear that neither player is willing to bury the hatchet. Green has yet to respond to the Suns star calling him soft, but there’s no doubt he will have something to say on social media or the next episode of his podcast.

The post “You’re Getting Soft Brother”: Jusuf Nurkic Pokes Fun At Draymond Green Wincing On The Ground After Tussle With Ivica Zubac appeared first on The SportsRush.