Despite being a major part of the Golden State Warriors' dynasty, Draymond Green has never been known as a clean player, and he is no stranger to controversy .
However, with Green off to a slow start this season, pundits including ESPN's Kendrick Perkins are questioning how much he is still helping the Warriors.
During the third quarter of Monday night's 116-113 Warriors' victory over the Phoenix Suns, Khaman Maluach bumped Green to the floor while driving, but Green did not get the foul call he appeared to want.
Green then got up, wrapped up Maluach, and threw him to the floor as Maluach scored. Brooks ran in to get Green away from Maluach, and Green grabbed Brooks' jersey up near his throat.
Brooks is often at the center of altercations like this, but on this occasion, it looked like he was actually trying to prevent things from escalating any further.
Green received two technical fouls and was ejected.
Although the Warriors escaped with the victory, largely due to Stephen Curry's 34 points, that's the type of play that could cost a team that's going to have a difficult time getting into the postseason, meaning they can't take any victory for granted.
During ESPN's "First Take" on Tuesday, Perkins asked a key question about Green.
"When was the last time we discussed Draymond Green and brought up him as far as his basketball and not fighting?" Perkins asked .
Perkins believes Green can no longer coast on his previous success.
"At some point, he has to deliver on the floor, and when you look at the start of the season, Draymond Green has been non-existent," Perkins said. "He has done absolutely nothing for the Golden State Warriors. To me, he has been a liability more than an asset."
It also may be the first time Green really has a challenger. Rookie Yaxel Lendeborg has had a fantastic start, averaging 21.5 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game, and is already well on his way to being the same type of trash-talker as Green.
Green declined his player option following the 2025-26 season, giving the Warriors added flexibility to pursue LeBron James. After James signed with Philadelphia, Green returned on a one-year, $27,678,571 deal.
Perkins went on to say that Stephen Curry would always "protect" Green and have his back, but Green needs to stop getting a free pass for his poor play.
Green is averaging just 3.2 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 6.3 assists in 26.5 minutes per game while shooting 38.9% from the field.
Perkins summed up Green's play so far. "That is unacceptable for someone who is getting paid what Draymond Green is getting paid."
If his play doesn't improve soon, the Warriors may agree.
This article originally appeared on Pro Football Network .
