Draymond Green says trash-talk works because it gets in opponents' heads and disrupts their focus. He thrives on the villain role, pointing to a spontaneous exchange with Paul Pierce as proof that provoking players gives his team a competitive edge.
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You don't mind getting people— like, I saw an interview you did where after that you were almost accidentally thrown out of the game, where you said, "Ah, people in Cleveland, they don't know what they're talking about. I don't listen to what they're saying anyway." You don't really— you like being the villain? Do you like trash-talking?
I mean, I am a trash-talker. I'm from Saginaw, Michigan. That's the way I grew up. Uh-huh. So I talk a lot of trash, and I don't— like, yeah, I don't mind being the villain. It gives me more energy.
What's the key to being a great trash-talker?
Having Cleveland fans booing you because you're under their skin. Would that help? Uh-huh. Yeah. Yeah, I know, but to be a great trash-talker, though, you have to be able to come back like that. Like, for instance, the one that got a lot of pub this year was the Paul Pierce thing.
Okay.
And everybody was like, "Oh, man, you studied that?" No, I didn't study that. Like, he said something to me, and I was boom. And it just erupts out of you. Oh, it go like that. And does that affect the game? To play, do you think that gives you an advantage in the game? I think so, because there's a lot of guys who you start talking trash to 'em and their game goes like that. Oh, really? Oh, bad.
Who is the number one who succumbs to trash talk more than anyone in the league? I still gotta play in this league. When you retire and when you come here that next day and you can, we'll name names, we'll go through, we'll destroy everyone.
I'll tell you who's really bad. I mean, completely will hijack the game. I'll tell you after I retire.
Oh, OK, good. Oh, excellent.
Hijacked the game.
I'll tell you after I retire. Well, congratulations to you. And what a great team. And really, I'm very happy for you. The Golden State Warriors championship parade tomorrow morning in Oakland. It starts on Broadway and 11th at 10:00 AM.
Draymond Green—
Hi, I'm Jimmy Kimmel. If you enjoyed the video, hit subscribe. And if you don't click subscribe, this invisible hamster will die.
