So Stephen A. Smith has switched lanes. He’s not angry-ranting about LeBron James anymore. Instead, he has picked a new face from the pool. New isn’t the correct word, because Draymond Green is on the ESPN veteran’s radar this time. Moreover, the Warriors star has disapproved of SAS’s opinions on LeBron. However, to have the arrows aimed at himself now? Surprising enough? You bet not!

Well, Draymond has picked up an ill reputation for his defensive tactics on the court. From odd guarding moves to trash-talking, there’s nothing this 35-year-old hasn’t done to rile up the officials. Therefore, the crowd no longer reacts with surprise whenever he picks up a technical foul. Last year, the league handed him an indefinite suspension after he struck then-Phoenix Suns star Jusuf Nurkic in the face.

So, Stephen A. Smith advised on First Take: “It’s worth repeating this, Draymond needs to watch himself. There’s a title that Draymond himself will admit he believes he cost Golden State years ago because he got himself suspended for that Game 5, thtat stimulus package the NBA gave LeBron James at that time. Which enabled them to come back and suspend Draymond Green.” 

Smith took us back to the 2016 NBA Finals when the Cavs faced the Warriors, and Draymond Green picked up a flagrant 1 foul that led to his suspension. Stephen A. continued: “If Draymond Green is in that Game 5, they win, and the of course he got suspended and stuff last year. And they missed, you know, they had troubles. He’s got to be on his best behavior.” 

Moral policing or words of caution before the Playoffs? Surely, the Golden State Warriors need Green on the court, they rely a bit too much on him. And maybe, Stephen A. Smith is making a bit of sense here. But with Draymond, this opinion isn’t sitting well, again.

Stephen A. Smith’s remarks infuriate Draymond Green

Do you remember when Stephen A. Smith called out LeBron James over Bronny’s career? Back then, Draymond Green had publicly condemned the veteran analyst’s statements. However, in the odd turn of events, SAS has softened his tone towards the Akron Hammer, and some might call it a PR stunt, but well, things seem good for a change. Meanwhile, Smith’s recent comments about Green’s misdemeanor don’t sit well with the 35-year-old big man.

Thus, Draymond didn’t waste much time; instead commented right below the very clip itself: “No NBA games yesterday. Operation talk about Draymond to create some ratings 💤💤💤💤😴” This is a simple jab at Stephen A. Smith for shifting his focus on Draymond when there’s no NBA action to discuss. It suggests this is a tactic to boost ratings or engagement during a slow news day. And, the sleep emojis show that Green finds it boring and repetitive.

Draymond Green finds himself in the spotlight—again. This time, not for a flagrant foul, but for fueling the talk show fire. While Stephen A. Smith shifts gears and targets fresh drama, Draymond sees through the play. After all, no games mean new bait—and he’s not biting.