Draymond Green’s ejections are piling up like technical fouls on a heated night. The Golden State Warriors forward just picked up his 24th career ejection against Utah Jazz on Saturday. That’s his second toss in eight games. He’s sitting on nine techs halfway through the season.
Green shouted at officials after Kyle Filipowski scored, demanding a three-second violation. The refs weren’t having it, so two quick techs sent him to the tunnel. Steve Kerr’s response was blunt following the ejection because he needed Green on the court. Yet the Dubs rallied to win 123-114 after his exit. However, the controversy is not going anywhere.
Paul Pierce Explains Why Warriors Stick with Draymond Green Through Ejections and Controversy
The Celtic legend dropped truth bombs on the “No Fouls Given” podcast about Dray’s untradeable status. Pierce laid it out plain and easy that Warriors only move Green if they’re rebuilding, not trying to extend their championship window.
He said, “You knew who he was from day one,” Pierce stated, explaining how relationships end when things go south. The message? Golden State signed up for this package deal years ago.
Pierce doubled down on Green’s legacy protection. He believes the Warriors will likely build a statue for Green, saying fans must “take him with the good and the bad”. Four rings and a DPOY award buy serious goodwill, though sometimes he lost his mind even against his coach.
The panel pushed back hard, pointing to Klay Thompson’s departure and other franchise moves. But Pierce held firm on his take. He sees, just like Steve Kerr, Green retiring in blue and gold unless he requests out himself.
The numbers tell a complicated story. Green’s averaging 8.5 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 5.1 assists on 42.9% shooting and quite frankly, these are nothing special offensively.
But Jimmy Butler backed the veteran after Saturday’s game. “That ain’t the formula,” Butler insisted when asked about winning without Green, emphasizing the team needs number 23 on the floor.
Golden State stays stubborn about trading their vocal leader. The Athletic reports the Warriors refused to include Green or Butler in potential deals for Anthony Davis. That stance creates serious roster constraints.
Pierce’s final verdict? Unless the Warriors start rebuilding or find better pieces for their championship window, Green stays and will not be an easy piece to replace. The fiery forward remains untouchable, which has always been the reality in the Bay.
