Draymond Green, the fiery forward for the Golden State Warriors, had high hopes for the 2024-25 NBA season, particularly when it came to cleaning up his on-court behavior. On his podcast before the season tipped off, Green boldly declared he’d keep his technical fouls under 10—maybe even below eight. It was an ambitious goal for a player known for his passionate, sometimes contentious, style of play. However, the season told a different story.
Green finished the regular season with 13 technical fouls. While this was an improvement from the 17 he racked up the previous year, it fell short of his self-imposed target. The postseason didn’t bring the fresh start he hoped for either. Appearing on Jimmy Kimmel Live! this week, Green shared a humorous take on his playoff performance, revealing he picked up five technical fouls in just three games. With the NBA’s playoff limit set at seven technicals before a suspension, Green jokingly admitted he was relieved the Warriors were knocked out by the Minnesota Timberwolves in the postseason. “Thank God we lost,” he quipped, suggesting an extended playoff run might have pushed him past the limit.
“I actually try not to [get a technical] now, which I’m embarrassed to say,” Green told Kimmel with a laugh. “I went into the playoffs like, ‘I’m not getting any techs. I’m locked in.’ I had five in three games.” His candid admission highlighted the challenge of reining in his intensity, a trait that’s both a strength and a hurdle for the veteran star.
Despite the lighthearted tone, Green didn’t shy away from the sting of the Warriors’ postseason exit. The team had championship aspirations, especially after acquiring Jimmy Butler midseason to bolster their roster. However, those hopes were derailed when Steph Curry suffered a hamstring injury that proved too much for the team to overcome. Green admitted that watching playoff games after the elimination has been tough, though he continues to tune in for the sake of his podcast.
Green’s ability to laugh off his technical foul troubles while reflecting on the season’s disappointments shows the balance he’s trying to strike. As he continues to analyze games and share insights with fans, the Warriors’ vocal leader is already looking ahead, likely with a renewed goal to keep those technicals in check next season.