Draymond Green Claps Back at Kenyon Martin, Calls Him ‘Underachieved’

Draymond Green has often made headlines for his off-court comments, podcast appearances and heated reactions rather than simply for his on-court performance. This week he was back in the spotlight once again after former NBA star Kenyon Martin questioned his toughness, a trait Green has long been known for around the league.

While appearing ‘On the Rocks’ podcast, Martin claimed Green picks his spots when acting tough and avoids players who might respond.

“I think what Draymond does is calculated,” said Martin. “Draymond ain’t did nothing to nobody who’s going to do something back to him … Ain’t nobody took him out the air, ain’t nobody hit him, ain’t nobody stepped on his chest, ain’t nobody did anything that he’s done to nobody.”

However, Martins blunt comment on Greens fake tough guy act did not sit well with the four-time All Star who hit back on his podcast ‘The Draymond Green Show.’

1. Draymond Hits Back at Kenyon

Green drew a comparison between their careers and said his achievements outweigh what Martin accomplished during his playing days.

*“The constant shots have been a little confusing to me because I don’t know quite where they came from,” *said Green. “You would think someone who was the No. 1 pick that didn’t quite have the career I’ve had when you talk Defensive Player of the Year, or nine All-Defensive teams that I have. And he has zero? One All-Star?"

*“I just don’t know how you can continue to shoot at me when you underachieved,” *the Warriors forward added. “The shots they’re just a little baffling to me … Because if I stop playing today, my career was better, way more impactful … Your resume got to be a little better to just keep taking shots.”

Earlier, the 35-year-old said the media constantly sets up an ‘agenda to try to keep making me look like an angry Black man.’

2. “I Stand On What I Believe” - Green On Responding to Martin’s Remarks

Green said he does not feel the need to react every time someone takes a shot at him, but Martin’s continuous jabs at him forced him to come out and respond.

“Just because somebody says something, I’m not just gonna jump out there and be like, ‘Oh man, like, I got to respond or forget all of that,’” said Green.

“Like, nah, I stand on what I believe in, and what I’ve believed in is like… I supported that guy, so I’m not just gonna jump off the rails and attack him or be responding and getting in these back and forth because of the respect and love that I had growing up as a kid. The shots just keep coming.”

Notably, this is not the first time Green has been in the spotlight. The 35-year-old last week confronted a Pelicans fan who allegedly taunted him with chants of “Angel Reese.”

The NBA addressed the incident and issued Green a warning, and chose not to fine him.

3. Warriors continue to struggle

Meanwhile, the Warriors continue to struggle this season. Draymond Green and Co. are 9-9 and eighth in the Western Conference after Friday’s 123-127 loss to the Portland Trail Blazers. Defense led by Green once again struggled to contain Portland’s young offense.

The home team was leading 97-94 through three quarters, but was outscored 33-26 by the Blazers in the fourth.

Steph Curry led the Warriors with 38 points and nine 3-pointers, while Jimmy Butler finished with 20 points, eight rebounds, and five assists.

Green ended the disappointing night with 11 points, five rebounds, and seven assists.

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• Draymond Green
• Kenyon Martin