Draymond Green laughs at 'tough guy' Klay Thompson’s Warriors-Mavs revelation
On Nov. 12, the Dallas Mavericks will visit the Golden State Warriors for an away game, and Draymond Green has plans on how he'll welcome Klay Thompson back.
Green jokingly told the "Sloane Knows" podcast during the Warriors' Media Day that he would run through Thompson's chest in their first game against each other.
Rachel Nichols then asked Thompson if he already heard what Green said about their anticipated matchup. The former Warrior responded by saying that he'll simply take his two free throws before asserting that he could handle a hit because he's a tough guy. A clip of this interview was posted on Instagram.
Green wasn't done throwing jokes at his ex-teammate as he left a comment under the clip.
"In typical Klay fashion... I'll take two free throws," Green commented.
November 12 marks not only the first time that Thompson plays against the Warriors. It's also the first time that he's playing in the Warriors arena as a member of the opposing team.
Thompson was selected by the Warriors with the 11th pick in the 2011 NBA Draft. A year later, Green was selected with the 35th overall pick. Both Thompson and Green were instrumental in creating the Warriors dynasty that dominated and won four championships (2015, 2017, 2018, 2022).
Thompson's elite shooting paired with Steph Curry's repertoire created one of the deadliest offenses in the league. For his efforts, Thompson was named to five All-Star teams.
Meanwhile, Green became a do-it-all forward who had his biggest impact on defense. He earned four All-Star nods as well as the Defensive Player of the Year Award in 2017.
After years of playing together, Thompson, Green, and Curry were finally split up after Thompson was sent to the Mavericks in a sign-and-trade deal.
Also read: Draymond Green regrets his reaction to the aftermath of Jordan Poole scuffle: "Not sure that was the right thing"
Draymond Green admitted to being emotional when Klay Thompson joined the Dallas Mavericks
While they are able to make jokes about it now, Draymond Green admitted to getting emotional when the Golden State Warriors trio was broken up.
Green went on his podcast early in July to talk about Thompson's departure. In fact, he spent nearly 30 minutes sharing his insights and his feelings about it. Green said that he was happy for Thompson and while they were no longer teammates, it does not change their relationship outside of the basketball court.
Green also admitted to not having fully processed his emotions yet at that time, but he also said that he shed a tear or two.
Aside from the Nov. 12 matchup between the Mavericks and the Warriors, these two teams will face each other two more times this year.
Their second and third matchups will happen midway through the season, with the first taking place on Feb. 12 with the Mavs playing hosts. Their third and final regular season game will be on Feb. 23 and will be played back at the Warriors' home arena.