Draymond Green has built a career on intensity, edge and embracing the spotlight — but he revealed why recent praise from Kawhi Leonard carried deeper meaning than most compliments ever could.“Hall of Fame defender,” Leonard said of Green after the Warriors’ 137-131 win over the Los Angeles Clippers in Wednesday night’s NBA play-in game. “It was hard to even get shots up.”Speaking on “The Draymond Green Show,” Green said Leonard’s postgame comments resonated because they came from someone he deeply respects after years of competing at the highest level.“I was flattered,” Green said. “Ultimately, what matters to you the most is the respect from your peers. And not just any peer, the respect from the peers that you respect.” Green made clear his admiration for Leonard extends well beyond one game.“I got so much respect for Kawhi,” Green added. “Every time I play against Kawhi Leonard, I get better. And I’m so grateful for him as a competitor, because he brings the best out of me.”Green explained that while NBA players often are viewed through the lens of fame and money,...
Why Kawhi Leonard’s praise after play-in was extra sentimental to Draymond Green
Published April 17, 2026 at 5:45 PM
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