In a relaxed, interview‑style YouTube segment, Warriors forward Draymond Green and Clippers guard Norman Powell discuss a range of topics that blend on‑court rivalry, personal back‑story, and locker‑room dynamics. Green opens by recalling his long‑standing battles with James Harden, noting how Harden’s play has evolved and expressing respect for his opponent. Powell expands on Harden’s current approach, describing his intense conditioning work, vocal leadership, and the way his presence builds trust and chemistry among teammates. The conversation then shifts to Powell’s personal journey: growing up in San Diego, playing at UCLA, returning to his hometown with the Clippers, and the significance of the new G‑League arena in Oceanside. Powell reflects on the sacrifices of NBA life, family time, and the pride of being part of the Clippers’ “new frontier.” The dialogue moves to a humorous segment about preparing for Draymond Green, with both players sharing trash‑talk anecdotes, defensive game plans, and the mental edge required when facing Green’s intensity. Throughout, the tone remains informal, candid, and occasionally self‑deprecating, offering insider perspectives on leadership, team chemistry, and the culture of rivalry in the NBA.
Chapters
I've had a lot of battles with James Harden over the years, with James Harden playing like James Harden playing this year. And you can imagine 6 years younger and playing how he playing this year. Crazy, crazy battles, fun battles. A lot of respect for James. What have you seen differently from him, from him this year as opposed to what you saw last year? Mm-hmm. Uh, when he was with you guys?
Um, I just think his approach, man. Like, honestly, like a little different, you know, you know, like guy coming in, you know, we're, wasn't crazy long into the season. I think we were like 3 games in or whatever it was. And then when he finally gets on, we're probably like 11 games. But you know, just trying to get acclimated, you know, and figuring it out. Like everybody gotta take an adjustment., period, you know. So he's trying to figure out the guys and, you know, how he can insert himself, um, into the team. Um, so, you know, we went to that 6-game losing streak, uh, you know, when he started playing, and, you know, it was just a full adjustment period, and then we got a little rhythm and stuff. But, um, I think this year his, his approach, um, overall, you know, I said it in the media, like, during the summers, like, he was working out with the young guys, you know what I'm saying? Like, we're doing the beep test conditioning and running up and down the floor, you know, after their individual workouts and he's right along with them. You know, he's going through the coverages and talking to them and, and being vocal, you know, on how we need to play, who we have to be this year. And, you know, vets can do whatever they want. You know, nobody's checking in on, on James to see if he's getting his work in. You know, he's trusted. You know, that, that's for the young guys that have to come in and be seen every single day underneath the coaches, you know, and he's there, you know, and I think that builds trust, that builds The chemistry, you know, saying like, if James is in here doing this, then I have to as well. And then just his care with his body. You know, I see him getting his workouts in. I see him getting his treatments, you know, and being really vocal about what he needs, you know, after the games, lifting and doing all the things to make sure that, you know, he's able to be ready to lead and play every single night. I think that's been the biggest thing. Like even, Just being in the locker room throughout the course of the game, start the games, halftime, end the games, like talking about what we need to do, the adjustments, keeping our heads up, you know, on tough nights when we let games slip away from us or we get blown out, you know, just refocusing everybody. He's been amazing with that. And that's what we need, you know, seeing that side of things from him and being, like you said, an opposing player, you know, you don't really know. What goes on behind the scenes and all the articles and things that were being put out about him leaving Philly and all that. Like, you know, you get a one-sided narrative, but then actually being in the locker room with him and talking to him, our locker room is right next to each other. So there's a lot of dialogue on the game and the approach and what we have to do. I mean, he's a great dude, great teammate. You know, I'm honored just to be able to play with him on the floor, you know, with all the things he's been able to accomplish and looking up to him. Been, but he's been great.
Being from San Diego, going to UCLA, being a Clipper, being a part of this new frontier, just talk about, you know, what this means really, 'cause y'all pioneering a, you know, a whole new system, you know what I mean, of fans and just what you talked about. But just talk about, you know, your career, where you at, the evolution, and just You know, just, I feel like you in a moment of, you know, being home and also being a part of this, you know, this new Clipper regime.
Yeah, honestly it's full circle for me, you know what I mean? To be able to be back where the NBA journey started, you know what I'm saying? Going to UCLA, being able to be around my family. Like, you know, having to be away, you miss so much time, you know, you gotta sacrifice, you know, to be successful in this league. You know, a lot of that sacrifice means, you know, giving up family time, personal time, whether that's with workouts and things like that, but also being on the road, you know, and then, you know, if you play for a team that's not in your home market, you know, so I've been, I guess my third season with them now. So for 3 years out of the 10 years I've been in the league, I've been home. The other 7 I've been on the road. So I've missed so much time with family and it's been amazing these last 3 years just to spend time with my niece, spend Thanksgiving, Christmas. And just being able to, we have an off day, I can shoot down to San Diego, you know what I'm saying? For a few hours to see my moms and my sister and go to my nephew's football game who actually plays for my high school now and support there.
Cool.
So it's been amazing. You know what I mean? And then, you know, just to kick off this season, you know, the Clippers started the G League down in in Oceanside, you know, so to actually go down to San Diego County and where, you know, I had my hoop dreams growing up in San Diego to play a game there.
Yeah.
You know what I'm saying? And give the intro, you know, to kick off the arena is amazing. You know, it's something that, you know, you can't really put down or dream about, you know, as a kid growing up. So just to be a part of this whole new redesign, you know, and be a focal point in it, knowing where the San Diego Clippers started, you know what I mean? And being from San Diego and that history there, it's definitely dope to be a part of it. Like you said, it's a moment that I'm in and I'm enjoying every second of it. I'm not taking it for granted. One, because I know the work that it's taken to get here, but also just being a part of where the organization is trying to go, you know, and— Yeah. And being a focal point in it has been truly amazing.
You faced the Warriors twice this year, you know, coming into a game, how do y'all team prepare for Draymond Green?
Pressure the dog shit out of him.
What do you do about his, y'all talk about him talking shit.
Oh man, yeah. So we say, don't worry about the bullshit he gonna do. You know what I'm saying? He gonna come in flailing and throwing elbows, yelling and screaming. We gonna pressure the hell out of his handle. You know what I mean? And then when he's driving to the basket, wall up and go vertical and make him a finisher.
Literally the setup. Don't get drawn into the BS.
You know what I'm saying? Pressure the shit out of him and then don't foul him when he's going to the basket. I just gave you the game plan right there.
It's been obvious for years. Same game.
Oh yeah, every year.
Oh yeah.
Now Draymond Green gonna start talking to you. The funny thing is, I remember— oh my gosh, oh my God, I'm glad you brought that shit up. Thank you, bro. I know he said so. So I was playing, it was when I was in Portland. I remember this shit so vividly, man, 'cause One of the assistant coaches was like, you hear this shit Draymond Green said to you? I said, what are you talking about? What'd he say? 'Cause I'd be ignoring his ass 'cause I know he's gonna do something. I know he's gonna say something.
So I try to attack him on the right wing between the legs crossover.
I try to body him, whatever.
You know, I try to get my little, you know, my rake through foul and I don't get the call and ball go out of bounds, right?
And I don't even know what the hell he said, but you know, Draymond, You know, he be getting hot, hype when he get stops. You know what I mean? And he be saying shit. And so, you know, I just ran back on defense 'cause I know he's about to say some shit. You know what I mean? He was already into the game. And so then I was mad as hell 'cause I would've said something if I knew it. But then there was a clip, you know what I'm saying, on Instagram and I'm running back on defense. He get the stop. He getting ready to take the ball out. He's like, yeah, you bitch-ass motherfucker. I was like, that's what he said? Oh man, I would've turned around and said something. Yeah.
I would— I wouldn't have said that to your face, Norm. I got too much respect for you.
Yeah, but I know, like, I don't take it personal. I know that's, you know, that's you, and I like that part of the game, you know. But I would have turned around and said, like, what you think this is, man? I'm right back too. I'm here too. You know what I mean? But yeah, man, I remember that, man. He always saying something. He don't back down from nobody. You get a lot of guys that You know you gotta.
Norm ain't never backing down from nothing.
Yeah, he ain't listening to you.
Nah, he not.
A lot of guys in the league that you know— Norm don't listen to him. It take a lot for me to talk, you know what I mean? I'm here to hoop. Hey, Norm, Norm, don't listen to him. He'll say anything. I know how it go.
