Draymond Green’s relationship with the media has deteriorated significantly, leaving him with few allies, particularly among opposing broadcasters. While some analysts, including former players, continue to hype him as a Defensive Player of the Year candidate, Ryan Hollins remains skeptical, especially when it comes to defending Alperen Şengün.
During the Houston Rockets’ 106-96 victory over the Warriors on Sunday, Green wasted no time getting physical with the Turkish big man. He dug his shoulder into Şengün before Fred VanVleet even had the ball on an out-of-bounds play.
Draymond was being physical with Sengun and the ref warned him
Draymond then yelled “call it then” and elbowed him
pic.twitter.com/Q1rrQe4ux3
— Fullcourtpass (@Fullcourtpass) April 7, 2025
“That’s ridiculous,” Hollins commented. “The ball’s not even in bounds yet.” As the referee approached Green to discuss the contact, Green defiantly challenged the official to call the foul, escalating the situation by elbowing Şengün in the upper chest. “He’s just trying to get in Şengün’s head,” Hollins said, adding, “He knows he can’t guard him to save his life.” He emphasized that Green recognizes Şengün’s talent and is resorting to these antics in an attempt to frustrate him.
Hollins maintained this stance postgame, agreeing with a tweet that said, “If this was anybody other than Draymond Green, he’s ejected.”
— Ryan Hollins (@TheRyanHollins) April 7, 2025
Instead of being ejected, Green received a technical foul. In contrast, Şengün had a standout performance with 19 points, 14 rebounds, and four assists, while Green managed only two points, three rebounds, four assists, four turnovers, and five personal fouls, adding a flagrant foul to the list. Later in the game, he struck Şengün in the face while attempting a layup, resulting in a flagrant 1 foul.
THIS WAS CRAZY
https://t.co/hCu8YomJRt
— Ryan Hollins (@TheRyanHollins) April 7, 2025
While Green may continue to assert that he’s the league’s most formidable defender, his performance on Sunday suggested otherwise, portraying a player more focused on avoiding embarrassment than stopping Şengün. Ryan Hollins ensured the audience was well aware of that reality.
