Veteran NBA analyst Skip Bayless has sparked a spicy debate in the basketball world by branding Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green the “dirtiest player in NBA history.” The accusation follows Green’s latest on-court controversy, which occurred during the Warriors’ 123-118 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies on November 15.
The incident in question involved Memphis rookie Zach Edey. During the third quarter, Green fell to the floor after a drive to the basket. As Edey secured the loose ball and prepared to pass, Green used his left elbow to pin down the 7-foot-4 center’s right ankle. The move caused Edey to tumble, prompting officials to issue a transition take foul. However, the play was not upgraded to a Flagrant 1 until the following day.
Highlighting Green’s actions, Skip Bayless said, “Draymond Green has proven again last week he’s the dirtiest player in NBA history. No exaggeration. Dirtiest player in NBA history.” Bayless added, “This time he tripped Memphis rookie Zach Edey as Edey tried to run up the floor. Draymond was down on the floor, and he clamped his arm and elbow over Edey’s ankle and just tripped him. 7-foot-4 Edey tripped and fell.”
The controversial play drew criticism from Grizzlies head coach Taylor Jenkins, who accused Green of breaking the NBA’s “code.” Green dismissed the comment on his podcast, calling Jenkins “emotional” and questioning the toughness of the Memphis team.
Bayless appeared to side with Jenkins, stating, “Draymond Green is the single most over-emotional player in NBA history. Always on a hair trigger to go completely over the emotional edge and cheap shot an opponent.”
Social media users also weighed in on the incident. One fan wrote, “Draymond pins Edey’s ankle with clear intent to injure—a dirty move from a repeat offender. The NBA needs to punish him and stop enabling his dangerous behavior.”
In his critique, Bayless accused referees of leniency toward Green, arguing, “(Green’s foul) was not reviewed at the moment because refs often look the other way on Draymond’s dirty plays because there are just so many of them and because he’s just so popular.”
This is not the first time Green has been at the center of controversy. Over his 13-season career, the four-time NBA champion and 2017 Defensive Player of the Year has faced six suspensions, including two last season that resulted in a 17-game absence. Critics argue that the NBA should enforce stricter penalties to prevent further incidents.
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As the debate rages on, fans and analysts alike continue to question whether Green’s behavior will eventually prompt the league to take decisive action. With his latest actions sparking widespread scrutiny, Draymond Green’s reputation as one of the NBA’s most polarizing figures shows no signs of fading.