By Reporter Du Yijun / Comprehensive Report
After parting ways with the Golden State Warriors, where he spent many years, sharpshooter Klay Thompson first moved to the Dallas Mavericks and now heads to the Miami Heat this summer. Even though he has left the team, his status remains unshakable in the eyes of his old teammate Draymond Green. In response to a netizen's question — "Is prime Jimmy Butler or Devin Booker more suitable as a team's core than Klay Thompson?" — Green publicly defended his former teammate on his personal podcast, bluntly stating that people today show too little respect for Klay, even forgetting how terrifying he was at his peak.
Golden State Warriors star forward Draymond Green recently interacted with fans on his show *The Draymond Green Show*. A netizen posed a sharp question: "If I had to pick a primary franchise cornerstone, I'd rather have prime Butler or Booker than Thompson. But my friends all favor Klay. What do you think?"
Facing this challenge to a member of the "Splash Brothers," Green displayed his usual straightforwardness. He first gave a rational analysis, acknowledging that both Butler and Booker have proven their ability to lead a team as the top option. Thompson, on the other hand, has indeed played less of a solo-star role throughout his career.
But then Green shifted his tone, speaking firmly in defense of his old teammate. "I have to say, a lot of people don't show Klay the respect he deserves. They've even forgotten how terrifying he was in his prime, and that honestly makes me a little disappointed," Green emphasized.
In fact, at his peak, Thompson was not only the quintessential elite "3-and-D" player but also set countless legendary records — including scoring 37 points in a single quarter and the postseason heroics of "Game 6 Klay." He was an indispensable cornerstone of the Warriors' four championship dynasty. Although the two will now play for different teams in the new season, Green's comments clearly show that the deep "Splash Brothers" bond built over years of playing together remains strong, and he will not tolerate any underestimation of the legendary shooter's historical legacy.