Apparently, Draymond Green felt the need to take a jab at Charles Barkley while on "Inside the NBA" this Wednesday night.
Barkley initiated verbal warfare by questioning the Golden State Warriors' future. He believes the franchise has to consider resetting its timeline, especially since the team failed to reach the playoffs.
"It's over for the Warriors. No disrespect. It ends for every old team," Barkley told Green. "You had your run; you get old; you let Klay go. You and Steph are on the backside of your careers; it just passed you by."
Green couldn't help but make things personal with his response. He told Barkley, "Yeah, I mean, I think the goal is just to not look like you in the Houston Rockets uniform."
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That remark from Green didn't get a laugh out of Ernie Johnson and Kenny Smith. In fact, Smith questioned that statement from the four-time NBA champion.
Barkley's run with Houston from 1996-2000 was considered his "ring-chasing era." Although he was non longer an MVP candidate, he still averaged 16.5 points and 12.2 rebounds per game for the Rockets.
Did Draymond cross the line?
Several media members criticized Green for this remark not just because it came off as disrespectful, but it was also a bit inaccurate. After all, Rockets were a playoff contender during their first two seasons with Barkley.
"Aside from the fact that this is awful, awkward television, it’s also just ahistorical," FS1's Nick Wright wrote on social media. "In his 4 years in Houston, Chuck averaged 16-12-4, including averaging 18 & 12 during a run to the Western Conference Finals. Draymond continues to recreate history."
"Draymond is being found out very quickly," MLS analyst Taylor Twellman said. "Also when you make media and analysis personal, it’s such a bad look bro. Doesn’t work. Barkley at the Rockets 10 out of 10 times vs anything Draymond has done. Miss me with this."
"His Suns team was the best Jordan beat in the Finals (yes, better than the Jazz who couldn't beat Jordan with the flu). Barkley is the Dan Marino of the NBA. Historically good player who deserved a title," another person commented.
Believe it or not, awkward moments like this will probably elevate Green's appeal as an analyst.
Will Green have a home on "Inside the NBA" though? Probably not if he keeps on dissing Barkley.
