Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr has never shied away from praising his players, but when it comes to Draymond Green, the admiration runs deeper than basketball. Following another emotionally charged performance from the veteran forward, Kerr reiterated his unwavering support for Green’s fiery on-court demeanor, stating, “I’ll ride with Draymond forever,” specifically praising his relentless competitiveness.
Draymond Green’s style of play has always been polarizing. To some, he’s the heartbeat of the Warriors’ dynasty — a defensive genius, a floor general, and an emotional leader. To others, he’s seen as volatile, controversial, and at times, reckless. But for Kerr, the value Draymond brings to the Warriors’ culture and championship DNA has never been in doubt.
“People can say what they want about the techs, the emotion, the flare-ups — I see a guy who wants to win more than anything,” Kerr said in a postgame press conference. “That competitiveness, that fire — it’s not for everyone. But it’s us. It’s who we are, and Draymond is a huge part of that.”
Kerr’s comments came after Green delivered a vintage all-around performance — grabbing rebounds, initiating the offense, diving for loose balls, and barking instructions on defense. He also picked up a technical foul, his 17th of the season, continuing a career-long pattern that often raises eyebrows. But to Kerr, that edge is what makes Green essential.
“You don’t win four championships without a guy like Draymond,” Kerr continued. “He sets the tone. He brings intensity that lifts everyone else. He challenges us. He holds us accountable. And sometimes, yeah, it spills over. But I’ll take that every time because I know his heart is in the right place.”
Green’s competitive nature has long been a double-edged sword. It’s fueled clutch performances, locked down elite opponents, and sparked locker room motivation. But it’s also led to infamous moments — a suspension in the 2016 NBA Finals, ejections, and clashes with both opponents and teammates. Through it all, Kerr and the Warriors have stood by him.
Their bond, built over a decade of battles together, is rooted in trust and understanding. Kerr, a former role player himself, sees the game through a team-first lens — one that values emotional investment and hard-nosed play. Draymond embodies that mentality, even if it occasionally pushes boundaries.
“Coaching Draymond means you’re going to be in the fire,” Kerr said with a smile. “But I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
Green, for his part, has often expressed his appreciation for Kerr’s loyalty. “Steve always has my back,” Green said in a recent interview. “He knows I play with emotion, and he never asks me to be someone I’m not. That’s why I go out there and give everything — for him, for my teammates, for the organization.”
The 2024–25 season hasn’t been the easiest for the Warriors, who have struggled with injuries, inconsistency, and the emergence of younger Western Conference contenders. Yet through the ups and downs, Green remains a constant force — vocally leading the team and anchoring their defense.
As the Warriors fight to stay relevant in a loaded playoff race, Draymond’s intensity could be the difference between a quick exit and a Cinderella run. And with Kerr firmly in his corner, the message is clear: the Warriors aren’t backing down.
In a league increasingly defined by finesse and analytics, Green is a throwback — a player whose value can’t always be quantified by a box score. He’s gritty, passionate, and unpredictable — and to Steve Kerr, that’s exactly what makes him irreplaceable.
“I’ve been around the game a long time,” Kerr said, “and there are very few guys who compete like Draymond. I’ll ride with him — always.”
