The Golden State Warriors are still working to claw their way into playoff position, and while the on-court effort continues, some of their biggest voices are just as active off the floor. Draymond Green, never one to shy away from a microphone or a debate, has once again found himself in the middle of a conversation that stretches far beyond the Bay Area.
This time, it’s about Cleveland-and who really owns the city when it comes to basketball legacy.
Green recently responded to a comment made by Jaylon Tyson, who said that Cleveland is more Donovan Mitchell’s city than LeBron James’. That’s a bold take, and it didn’t sit well with Draymond.
“Mitchell is a great basketball player,” Green said. “Donovan Mitchell has not gotten out of the second round in Cleveland.
I think Donovan should’ve corrected him right in the moment… The young fella should understand how this works. Cleveland is more Kyrie Irving’s city than it is Donovan Mitchell’s city.”
Let’s unpack that.
First, Green’s not wrong about Mitchell’s postseason track record in Cleveland. Since arriving from Utah, Mitchell has put up big numbers, no doubt-he’s currently averaging 29.4 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 5.8 assists this season.
That’s elite production. He’s been the engine of the Cavs’ offense and has quickly become the face of the franchise.
But in the NBA, legacy is built in the playoffs. And as Green pointed out, Mitchell hasn’t taken the Cavaliers past the second round yet. That’s the kind of benchmark that separates great regular-season players from those who define eras.
Now, the LeBron part of Tyson’s comment is where things get even murkier. LeBron James didn’t just play in Cleveland-he transformed the franchise.
He delivered the city its first NBA championship in 2016, ending a 52-year title drought for Cleveland sports. That kind of impact doesn’t just fade because a new star is in town.
It’s not even close.
Draymond’s mention of Kyrie Irving is also telling. While Kyrie’s tenure in Cleveland was shorter and more complicated, he hit one of the biggest shots in NBA Finals history to help seal that 2016 title. So if you're talking about who left their fingerprints on the city’s basketball history, Kyrie’s name absolutely belongs in the conversation-though still a step behind LeBron’s.
But Green didn’t stop there.
He also weighed in on a different controversy involving LeBron-this time, with Lakers owner Jeanie Buss. A recent report claimed Buss was “tired” of James and felt he hadn’t shown enough gratitude after the Lakers drafted his son, Bronny James. That didn’t sit well with Green either.
“Is LeBron supposed to bow down and kiss her ring and say thank you?” Green asked. “It’s not like Bronny wasn’t a top recruit at a top college.”
That’s vintage Draymond-blunt, unfiltered, and fiercely loyal to his peers. And he’s got a point.
Bronny was a legitimate prospect before the Lakers picked him. The narrative that the team did LeBron a massive favor by drafting his son overlooks the fact that Bronny earned his way into the league conversation, regardless of his last name.
Green’s comments are part of a larger pattern. He’s always been outspoken, whether it’s about officiating, rival teams, or the league’s biggest stars. But what makes his perspective interesting is that it’s rarely just hot takes-there’s usually substance behind the soundbite.
As the Warriors continue their fight for postseason relevance, Green’s voice remains one of the most influential in the league. Whether he’s defending a teammate, calling out a rival, or setting the record straight on NBA history, he’s going to say what he thinks-and make sure people are listening.