Golden State Warriors veteran Draymond Green recently weighed in on the ongoing conversation surrounding Minnesota Timberwolves All-Star Anthony Edwards and his reluctance to become the face of the NBA. During an episode of The Draymond Green Show with Baron Davis, Green acknowledged Edwards’ potential but also issued a warning: the opportunity to seize that role won’t last forever.
“To hear Ant-Man say, ‘I am capable of being that guy, but I don’t want to be’—I agree with him, he is capable of being that guy,” Green said. However, he emphasized that reaching that level requires more than just on-court dominance. “To be that, though, he has to elevate his game to another level, and he’s got to be better with his interviews, off-the-court stuff, how he presents himself. And that’s when he’s saying, ‘I don’t want to be that guy.’”
Green, a key figure in the Warriors’ dynasty, understands the fleeting nature of such an opportunity. He pointed out that at Edwards’ age—23 or 24—this is the critical window to build his brand and influence.
“If you’re going to be that, right now is the time that you have to be building that,” Green continued. “You can’t start trying to be that at 27. I hope he understands the opportunity that’s in front of him and knows that it doesn’t come back around.”
Green Shifts Focus to Warriors’ Playoff Push
Beyond Edwards’ situation, Green also reflected on the Warriors’ mindset as they enter the crucial stretch of the regular season. Speaking on his podcast, he admitted that the team is now in “playoff mode,” shifting into high gear to improve their positioning in the Western Conference standings.
“We’re in playoff mode. We want to give ourselves the best position possible when it comes to seeding,” Green said. “You’ve felt more of a sense of urgency over these last 26 games because you can see that light at the end of the tunnel.”
For players, the long grind of the NBA season can feel endless, but after the All-Star break, Green sees a renewed sense of focus and determination.
“When you look up and they say Game 11 of 82, you can’t see the light at the end of the tunnel. You can’t even see the All-Star break,” Green explained. “But once you pass that, you’re rejuvenated. Now you come back like, alright, we can see that light.”
The Warriors, riding a five-game winning streak, will look to keep their momentum going against the Orlando Magic on Friday.
Analysis: Green’s Perspective on Edwards and the Warriors’ Mindset
Green’s comments about Anthony Edwards highlight a crucial aspect of NBA stardom—it’s not just about skill but also about timing and presentation. Edwards has the talent to be the face of the league, but if he doesn’t embrace the role now, Green suggests that the opportunity may pass him by. This reflects the reality that the NBA thrives on marketability, leadership, and consistency, both on and off the court.
As for the Warriors, Green’s insight underscores the mentality of championship teams. The regular season can be grueling, but experienced players like Green understand when to flip the switch. With the playoffs approaching, the Warriors appear to be ramping up at just the right time.
