The season may have ended for the Golden State Warriors, but their players continue to remain in the headlines. As Draymond Green looks to make himself comfortable as an NBA analyst, an awkward moment unfolded during his conversation with Charles Barkley.
Ahead of the San Antonio Spurs-Minnesota Timberwolves Game 2, the ‘Inside the NBA’ crew discussed the future of the Warriors. Green, who is frequently seen on the show throughout the NBA season, replaced an absent Shaquille O’Neal.
Advertisement
While the discussion started around Green admitting he doesn’t wish to play for another team, it soon got personal involving Barkley. “It’s over for the Warriors”, Chuck said while indicating how most of their stars are old. Green responded by saying, “We had that hug for a reason, right? We’re not oblivious”.
Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr talks to guard Stephen Curry (30) and forward Draymond Green (23).© Matthew Hinton-Imagn Images
He was referring to Steve Kerr hugging Green and Steph Curry during their last game of the season as the coach’s future remains unclear. “Sports are for young people… Nobody wins when they’re 37, 38”, Barkley added.
Advertisement
The 36-year-old Warriors star clapped back at Chuck by saying, “I think the goal is to not look like you in a Houston Rockets uniform”. Kenny Smith intervened by asking Green for further explanation for his comment. “Did you see it? I saw it”, he responded.
Many online believed Green was being disrespectful towards the Hall of Famer and began a stats comparison. Barkley joined the Houston Rockets in 1996 at age 33. He averaged 16.5 points, 12.2 rebounds, 3.9 assists, and a 4.0 box plus/minus throughout his four years with the team.
NBA legend Charles Barkley is highly critical of the league for treatment of the fans.© Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
Meanwhile, Green’s last four seasons haven’t been very great. The 4x NBA All-Star averaged 8.6 points, 6.5 rebounds, 6.0 assists, and a 0.5 box plus/minus. The comparisons by fans urged Green to face a reality check over his remark about the NBA legend. This isn’t the first controversy around the Warriors star this week.
Advertisement
Dubbed the “Podcast Beef”, Green has been going back and forth with former NBA player Austin Rivers. Things escalated when Green claimed Rivers only peaked in high school. Doc Rivers’ son responded by criticising the 4-time NBA Champion for involving his father and ended by saying, “Let’s be frenemies”.
And now, Green has taken a jibe at Barkley’s career. As he looks to focus on his broadcasting career following his possible NBA retirement, the Warriors star would hope to avoid getting into more drama.
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on May 7, 2026, where it first appeared in the NBA section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.