Draymond Green remains one of the NBA’s most polarizing figures. Critics often highlight his conduct both on and off the court, while fans emphasize his vital role in helping Stephen Curry and the Golden State Warriors contend for championships.
Curry’s arrival in the 2009 NBA Draft marked the beginning of the franchise’s turnaround, though he represented only part of the equation. The Warriors did not assemble the full roster necessary to become legitimate contenders until several seasons later.
Among those additions, Green was perhaps the most unexpected contributor. Selected 35th overall in the 2012 draft — behind Harrison Barnes, taken seventh, and Festus Ezeli, taken 30th — Green quickly demonstrated that he was worthy of a higher selection. His defensive tenacity, strong rebounding, and playmaking established him as a cornerstone alongside Curry.
Stephen Curry Gets Candid on His Relationship With Draymond Green
Over the years, Curry and Green have forged a strong bond, built through their shared battles on the court and their pivotal roles in the Warriors’ sustained success.
“When it comes to seeing somebody for who they truly are and what they bring to the table, there’s no better example of a friendship and a teammate relationship that can stand the test of time. Because there’s just trust at the end of the day,” Curry said about his friendship with Green. “I know he’s going to show up with the right mentality and do it his way and over the course of a season. I can rely on that.”
He also spoke about the side of their relationship that fans don’t get to see. “There are times where I need him to lift me up emotionally, because you know, I might not have it in the tank. And I need to kind of cool him off if he’s running too hot at times, and vice versa,” he said.
Curry pointed out that Green has a side to him that not everyone gets to see, saying he’s empathetic and has shown up when people needed him.
“We can kind of lift each other up.”
Steph Curry discussed with @MontePooleNBCS and @BontaHill how he has navigated the high and low moments with Draymond Green over the years https://t.co/CK6KLOSHhy
— Warriors on NBCS (@NBCSWarriors) December 2, 2025
People have always noted Green’s tough demeanor, especially on the court. However, Curry made it clear that he’s more than just an enforcer and that their relationship goes beyond championships and other basketball-related achievements.
