"I've never punched any teammate…I think that if he could he would take that back” – Magic Johnson criticizes Draymond Green punching Jordan Poole, cites him as the trigger for Warriors playbook
Hall of Famer Magic Johnson gave his insight on how the Golden State Warriors can move on after Draymond Green's punch of teammate Jordan Poole.
Magic has a unique perspective because, as a five-time champion, he has seen a lot. Plus, Johnson was not just a player,he has been a coach, a broadcaster and an executive. He has effectively been around the NBA for over 40 years in some capacity.
"I've never punched any teammate ... I think that if he could, he would take that back," Johnson said on the 'Club Shay Shay' podcast. "But I grab you just like Coop grab me. Bro, we listen when you have a dude like Michael Cooper guarding you every single, OK, you get tired of that."
Johnson referenced the times he had issues in practice with Michael Cooper. He also acknowledged what Green did and crossed a very specific line. Players have a few shouting matches and even shove each other from time to time, but a punch is a clear escalation. Magic made it clear that Green knew better and shouldn’t have struck his teammate.
Johnson referred to the time he elbowed his then-best friend Isiah Thomas of the Detroit Pistons.
"Isiah and I, we got into it, you know," Johnson said. "And we were great friends. But at the end of the day, I didn't punch him in the face and then try to do some more to him."
Magic's relationship with Draymond Green
Draymond Green and Magic Johnson have a special relationship because they both played at Michigan State. Johnson has known Draymond since he was in college. People have even compared Green to Johnson with their on-the-court play. Green’s role in Golden State’s offense has been compared to Johnson's.
Magic said that Green is important to the offense that the Warriors run. Distributing the ball and getting others involved is what makes him special to the team.
"You're the trigger man," Johnson said. "You make everything happen at Golden State. Everybody gets shots because of you, Draymond, whether you setting a pick or are you passing it to them."
As his career progresses, Green has reached a few statistical milestones in the playoffs that he shares with Johnson. Of course, Green and Johnson are not of the same caliber, but they do have a lot in common and a shared background.
Draymond Green has his sixth triple-double this postseason, tying Magic Johnson for the 2nd-most in a single postseason in NBA history. https://t.co/ls4yl0Aax2
The Warriors (2-1) seem to be doing alright. They face off against the Phoenix Suns at 10 p.m. EST on Tuesday night. Green leads the Warriors in assists (6.0 per game).