Draymond Green Defends Himself From Online Critics: Don’t Miss Games When Steph Curry is Out

It has become a popular trend within the basketball community to make fun of Draymond Green. The Golden State Warriors star hasn’t done himself any favors with his on-court antics either. Regardless, he’s a good sport in most instances, but will defend himself when he believes he has to.

People may say that Green is overrated, but that doesn’t take away from his overall greatness. Green played a pivotal role in one of the greatest dynasties in NBA history. He has four NBA championships, a Defensive Player of the Year and four All-Star appearances under his belt. It’s hard to simply ignore those accolades.

Another aspect of Green’s skillset that doesn’t show through a trophy is his significant role in Stephen Curry’s success. However, online critics believe Green has become a bit too dependent on Curry.

Fans have claimed that Green only plays when Curry does, in an effort to protect himself from looking like a fish out of water. Before this narrative begins to pick up some traction, Green took the initiative to tackle it head on.

“People always try to come up with internet trends, but I think Steph Curry has missed far more games than I have,” Green said on The Draymond Green Show. “The theory just doesn’t work. Cool story, though.”

Draymond Green on the narrative of him missing games when Steph is out:

“People always try to come up with internet trends, but I think Steph Curry has missed far more games than I have. Far more games than I have. So, the theory just doesn’t kind of work. Cool story though.… pic.twitter.com/2z9ML17dYf

— NBA Courtside (@NBA__Courtside) March 1, 2026

As far as this season is concerned, Green has certainly played more games than Curry. The all-time leading three-point shooter has played in just 39 games, while Green has appeared in 49. Green may be unlikable to some, but the numbers don’t lie.

“I’ve played far too many games without Steph on the court for the theory to work,” Green said.

Putting this season aside, Curry has actually been the more reliable player for the Warriors. In the 2024-25 season, Curry played 70 games, while Green played 68.

The 2023-24 season was a stark difference as Curry appeared in 74 games, while Green only played in 55. The 2022-23 and 2019-20 seasons were in Green’s favor but the rest are in Curry’s.

All that being said, Curry is currently out with an injury, and Green continues to show up for the Warriors, which is what really matters.