Draymond Green has fired back at Kendrick Perkins after the ESPN analyst labelled the Golden State Warriors forward a liability rather than an asset following his latest ejection.
Green acknowledged that he is no longer the player he once was, but insisted his basketball intelligence still separates him from his former NBA rival.
The exchange followed Golden State's 116-113 victory over the Phoenix Suns, during which Green was ejected after a heated altercation involving Suns centre Khaman Maluach and Dillon Brooks.
Perkins had criticised Green during an appearance on ESPN's First Take, questioning whether his focus had shifted away from basketball and towards on-court confrontations.
He also pointed to Green's lack of production early in the season, suggesting the Warriors were not getting enough from the four-time All-Star.
Perkins said: "Listen, when was the last time we discussed Draymond Green and brought him up for his basketball and not fighting? At some point, he has to deliver on the floor. When you look at the start of this season, Draymond Green has been non-existent."
He added: "He has done absolutely nothing for the Golden State Warriors. To me, he has been a liability more than an asset."
Green responded on his podcast, The Draymond Green Show, admitting that his physical abilities have declined while taking aim at Perkins' own playing career.
The Warriors star said: "Kendrick Perkins said Draymond Green is a liability, he ain't no asset no more. And guess what Kendrick Perkins … at 36-years-old, to be 37 this year, I am 1000 percent not the player I once was … I'm not even close to the player I once was."
He continued: "But, Kendrick Perkins, the difference between myself and big dummies like you is I can think. And so when your body didn't move the same no more, you weren't as athletic as you once were, it looked a little different for you cause you weren't the smartest basketball player."
Green's early-season numbers give Perkins' criticism some context. Across six appearances, he is averaging 3.2 points, 5.0 rebounds and 6.3 assists per game, while shooting 38.9 per cent from the field.
His latest ejection came after he forcefully brought Maluach to the floor, prompting Brooks to step in and confront him. Green later defended the play, arguing that a centre must stand up for himself to maintain respect around the basket.
The Warriors have won five consecutive games after opening the season with three defeats, and Green will now be under pressure to turn his response into more consistent performances on the court.
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