The NBA drama machine never takes a day off. This time, Draymond Green has Stephen A. Smith in his sights.
The Golden State Warriors player took aim at the famous ESPN personality, accusing him of disrespecting NBA players while not being around them enough to hear their side.
Draymond’s argument was simple. He believes journalism used to work differently.
Stephen A. Smith RESPONDS to Draymond Green & Jemele Hill agreeing with Jaylen Brown telling Stephen A to reveal his “anonymous sources,” stating that he gives journalists a bad look 😳👀
“Are you implying you’ve been in the locker room more than me? I was a beat writer and an… pic.twitter.com/3oyzf7E8Yy
— Slime🐍 (@ItsKingSlime) July 8, 2026
Back in the day, reporters and players actually had conversations. If a player disliked something written or said about them, they could walk into the locker room, talk about it, and settle the disagreement like adults.
Draymond Green Calls out Stephen A Smith 😳
Draymond says Stephen A isn’t in the locker room like most journalists are to where the players have a chance to say something back to him on his takes. He struts downs the tunnel in pre game and guys don’t love him. So the only place… https://t.co/tN7CWq3cI3 pic.twitter.com/PuHi02XW8T
— NBA Courtside (@NBA__Courtside) July 12, 2026
Now? According to Draymond, things are different.
He says Stephen A. is not in the locker room environment where players can respond directly. Instead, players hear the criticism from television screens and social media clips.
And apparently, the only time they get a chance to respond is when Stephen A. is sitting courtside. That is where things get interesting.
Draymond pointed to moments like LeBron James confronting Stephen A. during a game as an example of players finally getting a chance to speak face-to-face.
Basically, the message was: “If the microphone works both ways, maybe the conversation should too.”
Draymond also claimed Stephen A. has always wanted to be the “big dog” in sports media. Well, congratulations.
The dog has officially reached the top of the mountain, but Draymond says there is one problem.
When you become the loudest voice in the room, people are going to say your name when they respond.
It is the oldest rule in entertainment. If you throw a headline, somebody is eventually throwing one back.
Draymond also criticized Stephen A. Smith for his past comments about Kevin Durant being too sensitive when responding to criticism.
The irony, according to Draymond, is that Stephen A. now reacts strongly when players criticize him.
The internet immediately grabbed its popcorn.
The NBA offseason might not have games every night, but the drama schedule is clearly fully booked.
