Warriors star Draymond Green chatted live with fans in China on the NBA’s official Weibo page on Thursday 7 Jan. Here’s what Draymond had to say about his team, his goals for the year and if the Warriors can top the Bulls’ 72-win season.
We asked Klay this question yesterday – it’s a traditional one in China – but if Steve Kerr and Steph Curry both fell in a river, who would you save first?
I’d pick Steph! We won a ton of games without Steve Kerr and I don’t think we’d have won without Steph. [laughs]
What do you think about the Spurs? They look unstoppable. What would you have to do to beat them?
I think they’re an amazing team. They don’t make many mistakes, and I think when we play the Spurs to beat them we have to limit our turnovers and try to cut down on the amount of mistakes, because they capitalize on people’s mistakes
What was it like to get that triple-double against the Hornets, where Steph hit that 3 for you?
It was amazing to get the triple-double because it was 3 in a row and that hasn’t been done often, but when it came on that 3 it was even better because the way Steph just hoisted it, no matter who was on him because he wanted me to have it. That was amazing he wanted me to have the triple-double that bad.
In China our nickname for you means ‘chasing dreams.’ What is your dream for 2016?
My dream in 2016 is to be an NBA All-Star, win another championship, make the Olympic team and win the gold, in that order.
What are your hopes for All-Star voting?
I hope it’s to continue to move up and create some separation from 4th place! Just want to move up, and hope the fans will continue to vote for me & think I’m worthy.
What’s one word that describes you?
Winner
You’re so passionate all the time. You light up your teammates, you light up your fans. How do you always do it?
I love what I do, so it’s easy to always have that passion, because I know every day when I step on the court and play the game I love it’s a blessing. I don’t take it for granted, so it’s easy
We saw when you threw a cup of water on a teammate when he was being interviewed – that was so funny. Is that a Warriors tradition?
It’s not really a tradition, but Steph started it by getting Klay, then Klay got me, so I kept it going and got Brandon!
Kobe’s retiring at the end of this season. What do you think about that?
I think Kobe’s one of the greatest to ever play. He was one of 2 players I was star-struck by when I came into the league. Kobe and Grant Hill. I think he’s one of the best to ever play.
Who’s your best friend on the team?
Our entire team is close, really, but if I had to say I’m closest to anybody it’s probably Steph. But everybody’s close.
How did you make the leaps you’ve made this season? What do you have to do mentally to get there?
Number 1, working all summer. I put a lot of work in this summer. I’m more comfortable with the offense. And I have great teammates, we work really well together. This is our 4th year together
Can you break the Bulls’ record of 72-10?
I do think we can, but it’s not something we focus on every day. It’s not a priority, but I do think we can break it.
Which rookie has the most potential?
That’s tough. Can I give a top 5? In no particular order, Karl Towns, Kristaps Porzingis, Emmanuel Mudiay, Devin Booker and Kevon Looney
When you’re trash-talking, what are you saying? I want to learn!
It depends! Sometimes you know stuff about other guys, so you say stuff you know will get under their skin
For a post player, you’re so good at shooting 3’s. How do you do it?
Like I said I had to practice my guard skills. My shot is getting up a countless amount of reps, day and night, early in the morning, late at night. Shooting til my arms can’t shoot anymore
Who do you think is the best player in terms of passing skills?
I like to think myself! But seriously I’d have to say Rajon Rondo, the way he reads the floor, and he can put anybody in a position to score.
Who do you think was the quickest player you have ever played against?
Man there’s so many guys quick in the league, who would I say? So may guys are cat-quick. Russell Westbrook probably. Eric Bledsoe, too. He’s so deceivingly quick.
Who was the toughest guy to defend?
I think everybody presents different challenges. It’s hard to just pick 1 guy, because so many guys present their own challenges.
You are clearly a top 5 player in the league and one of the best passing big men in the history of the game. How have you developed such an uncanny ability to find your teammates for easy buckets?
1 – I have really great teammates who can score the basketball. 2 – My dad and uncle. When I was a kid, I was bigger than everybody else, but I had to play point guard because they said if I never grew again I’d have point guard skills.
Which part of the practice do you think is the most important?
When we go 5 on 0 is the most important part because we’re working on offensive execution, and coach usually makes us go game-speed to get the flow and the rhythm down
Please let me know if you have any routine before the game?
I’ve never really been a habit or ritual type guy, the only thing I do is pray. Everything else I go with the flow.
