Draymond Green Calls Out NBA All-Star Weekend Grind: “You’re Gassed Before the Game Even Starts”
Draymond Green isn’t mincing words when it comes to the NBA All-Star Game’s growing criticism. The Warriors veteran, never one to shy away from speaking his mind, believes the dip in intensity fans have noticed during the All-Star showcase isn’t about effort - it’s about exhaustion.
Speaking on his podcast Friday, Green pulled back the curtain on what All-Star Weekend really looks like for the league’s biggest names. And spoiler: it’s not all glitz, glamour, and pick-up style basketball.
“I’ve been at this community thing, I’ve been at this event, I’ve been at this sneaker deal thing, I’ve been at this podcast thing,” Green said. “By the time you get to the game … oh, I get 20 minutes to shoot the basketball.”
In other words, by the time tipoff rolls around, players aren’t just lacking motivation - they’re running on fumes. Green explained that for a regular NBA game, his prep starts early in the day and runs through a detailed routine: morning workouts, cardio, recovery sessions, weight room work, shooting drills, team meetings, and pregame taping. All of that gets tossed aside during All-Star Weekend, replaced by a whirlwind of appearances and obligations.
“I’m going to go out here and play hard in this game that I prepared for, for 20 minutes?” Green said. “That played a big part.”
His proposed fix? Let the All-Stars focus on the actual game.
Green suggested that non-All-Star players - the big names who didn’t make the cut - could take on the media and promotional duties. That way, the players fans actually tune in to watch would be fresher, more engaged, and maybe more willing to turn up the intensity.
Warriors’ Rotation Takes a Turn: Green Benched Late, Horford Closing Games
Back in Golden State, Green’s role is shifting - and not in the direction he’s used to. Despite starting at center in recent games, Green has been on the bench during crunch time in the Warriors’ last two wins.
Instead, head coach Steve Kerr has leaned on Al Horford to close games, surrounding the veteran big man with shooters and ball-handlers to stretch the floor. The move has been especially crucial with Stephen Curry sidelined.
“Al in the Phoenix game and last night was playing so well,” Kerr said after Monday’s comeback win over Memphis. “And I think without Steph, it’s easier for us to score if Al is at the five and we space the floor around him. It’s harder to find lineup combinations without Stephen where we can play Dray at the four.”
It’s a tactical shift that speaks to the Warriors’ evolving identity - one where spacing and scoring efficiency are taking precedence, even if it means sitting one of the franchise’s defensive anchors in late-game situations.
Gui Santos Steps Up Amid Roster Shakeup
The Warriors’ lineup has also seen some unexpected changes thanks to a pair of major moves: Jimmy Butler’s season-ending injury and Jonathan Kuminga’s trade to Atlanta. Those dominoes opened the door for Gui Santos, who’s now started the last five games.
Santos, still early in his NBA journey, is being asked to do more than just fill minutes - he’s becoming a key part of the offensive engine. For the first time in his career, he’s being trusted to create off the dribble and generate looks for teammates.
“Without Jimmy, we don’t have much size at the (small forward and power forward) spots,” Kerr said. “Gui is - you can see by the way he’s been playing.
He’s been one of our best players. He’s consistent, gaining confidence by the day.”
It’s a big leap for the young forward, and so far, he’s making the most of it.
Looking Ahead: Youth Movement May Be on the Horizon
As the Warriors eye the future, there’s a chance to bring back two key veterans - Kristaps Porzingis and Al Horford - on team-friendly deals. Porzingis could be re-signed at a reduced rate, and Horford has a $6 million player option for next season that could prove to be a bargain.
But as much as those deals might help with cap flexibility, the bigger question for general manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. is how to inject more youth and athleticism into the roster. The Warriors' core still has championship DNA, but the legs aren’t getting any younger. If Golden State wants to stay relevant in a Western Conference that’s only getting faster and more explosive, fresh legs and high ceilings need to be part of the plan.
The Warriors are still in the mix - fighting, adjusting, evolving. But the margin for error is slimmer than ever, and every roster decision from here on out could be the difference between another deep playoff run and an early summer.