‘He has been a liability more than an asset’: ESPN analyst calls Draymond Green a ‘detriment’ to the Warriors

On March 10, 2026, a Golden State Warriors game against the Phoenix Suns took an unexpected turn when veteran forward Draymond Green was ejected due to his aggressive behavior on the court. The incident occurred in the third quarter when Green collided with Suns center Khaman Maluach and subsequently tackled him to the ground. The tension escalated when Suns forward Dillon Brooks intervened in defense of Maluach, leading to a physical altercation between Green and Brooks that required multiple individuals to break up.

Green's ejection marked another addition to his already long list of suspensions throughout his time with the Warriors.

ESPN’s First Take panel, in a Tuesday discussion about Green's role in the team, questioned whether his presence was a detriment to the Warriors' aspirations this season. Analyst Kendrick Perkins went as far as to say, "He has been a liability more than an asset." Perkins highlighted the Warriors' recent acquisition of rookie Yaxel Lendeborg, who has had a stellar start to the season, as evidence of a lack of need for Green's on-court presence.

The former Boston Celtic further pointed out the decline in Green's performance, with the veteran averaging only three points per game, shooting 38% from the field and 28% from the three-point line. Perkins questioned the Warriors' ability to maintain their brotherhood between star guard Stephen Curry and Green if his antics continue to disrupt the team's focus, particularly as their championship run nears its end.