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SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 15: Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors reacts after he made a defensive stop on Karl-Anthony Towns #32 of the New York Knicks during the second half at Chase Center on January 15, 2026 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
One of the players who helped the Golden State Warriors win multiple NBA titles because of his defense is Draymond Green. Golden State doesn’t become a dynasty without his play. His versatility on that end of the court is something no other player has.
Green is a very intense defensive player. Because of that intensity, he has been labeled as a dirty player by some fans and other players. However, he rejects that notion. Recently, this came to a head in a discussion about Pelle Larsson and his actions with other players. Larrson had an incident with DeMar DeRozan most recently.
While talking about the Larsson incidents, Green made sure to tell everyone that he is not a dirty player, but European players do dirty things.
GettyGolden State Warriors forward Draymond Green drives the ball. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
Warriors’ Draymond Green Calls European Players ‘Dirty’
While speaking on The Draymond Green Show, Green made sure to call out European players for their actions on the court.
“I’ve played against a bunch of Europeans. They do little dirty stuff. People get mad at me and be like ‘Ah, Draymond dirty’. I told ya’ll, Draymond not dirty. Draymond will f—you up. I’m not dirty. I don’t do dirty things. There’s not a player in the NBA who can tell you Draymond is a dirty player. There are a lot of Europeans who do dirty stuff on the basketball court.”
Green has certainly had his share of instances on the court that other fan bases would deem dirty. His most famous incident was hitting LeBron James below the belt in the NBA Finals, which resulted in a suspension. The Cavaliers would go on to win the Finals in seven games.
Green isn’t the only American-born NBA player to claim that European players are dirty on the court. This is an accusation that has been floating around for years. Still, that doesn’t make it true, nor does it mean that Green shouldn’t have to answer for some of his actions.
GettyGolden State Warriors forward Jimmy Butler dribbles the ball. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
The Warriors’ Chances of Winning a Title This Season are Over
Golden State’s chance of winning an NBA title this season is over now that Jimmy Butler tore his ACL. Unless Green is able to turn back time and turn into more of an offensive threat over the final few months of the season, the Warriors won’t have a shot to win a title.
Perhaps that is why Green is talking about European players as opposed to what Golden State is doing. Prior to Butler’s injury, Golden State was looking around for potential trades. Now, it wouldn’t make sense to make a trade unless they are able to unload Butler.
Stephen Curry is in danger of wasting what could be one of his last great offensive seasons that he has left in him. Without a reliable second-best player on the roster, the Warriors have no chance of competing for a title in the next couple of seasons.