Expressing his discontent over exclusion from the initial 41-man pool for Team USA’s Paris Olympics campaign, Golden State Warriors’ Draymond Green responded to USA Basketball men’s team managing director Grant Hill’s explanation.
Hill cited Green’s recent suspensions and erratic play as reasons for his omission. However, on his podcast, The Draymond Green Show, Green voiced his disappointment and suggested that Hill should have straightforwardly conveyed if he wasn’t deemed good enough for the roster.
Green acknowledged the presence of numerous superstars on the list, implying that, talent-wise, he might not have had a chance, regardless of the team’s mention of his disciplinary issues.
Having been part of the USA basketball teams in the last two Olympics, winning two Gold medals, Green recalled that in 2016, he got the opportunity due to key injuries and withdrawals. He emphasized that if those players had chosen to participate, he wouldn’t have been called up.
In response to Grant Hill and Team USA excluding him for reasons unrelated to the Olympics, Green expressed his preference for a direct acknowledgment of his suitability rather than receiving reasons that seemed unfounded.
Green also delved into the challenges of assembling a strong Olympic team, considering the timing of the event overlapping with the end of the NBA season.
Recognizing players’ exhaustion and the likelihood of injuries, he pointed out that many superstars might withdraw, creating an opportunity for others. Despite recent troubles, Green asserted his willingness to represent his country if the chance arises in the evolving scenario of player availability for the Olympics.”
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