If you want an honest, unfiltered opinion about the NBA, Draymond Green is usually a good source. Naturally, he has his pro-Golden State Warriors bias, but he usually tells it how it is.
Or at least how he sees it.
As the NBA becomes embroiled in betting scandals, the purity and integrity of the league as a whole have been questioned. Terry Rozier and Chauncey Billups have been arrested for participating in illegal betting activities. Jontay Porter has been convicted, and Malik Beasley was under investigation.
Most fans think even more hammers will drop in the coming months, although Green thinks the league as a whole is treading carefully.
GettyDraymond Green said the majority of stars play the right way.
Draymond Green Goes on Gambling Rant
Even casual fans know that there are players who care about team success and players who prefer individual accolades. Despite numerous criticisms about his physical “dirty” play and intense persona, no one would say that Green doesn’t care about winning.
As a winning player with a legacy to protect, Green thinks the vast majority of stars go about playing the right way.
“I think it’s complete bulls— that the whole world wants to act like all NBA players are just gambling on games,” Green said on his Draymond Green Show podcast. “We’re really trying to win these games. We’re really fighting for legacies. So I think it’s complete and utter bulls—.”
Green cited “point shaving” accusations as especially harmful. He claims that it’s hard to score in the NBA, and players miss more shots than they make, plain and simple. Of course, he’s exactly right.
While players face criticism for possibly gambling on games, the league has come under fire for its enthusiasm to jump into bed with sportsbooks. Green made sure to address that, as well.
Draymond Green Dismisses Gambling Partnerships
In certain locations, the NBA is broadcast on FanDuel Sports Network. The league has a partnership with DraftKings, and Green himself has a sponsorship with the same book.
Of course, both Green and the NBA are quick to dismiss the connection as nothing more than business.
“Partnerships are partnerships,” Green added. “I don’t get free Bud Light and Budweiser to my house because the NBA is with Bud Light. I don’t get a free FanDuel Pass or Drive Kings or Fanatic Sportsbook because the NBA is a partner.”
Green is also a spokesperson for Nike, Beats by Dre, Subway, and Kia. Of course, none of those companies are accused of ruining professional sports, although most players can keep on and off-court stuff separate.
“Let’s not act like because they’re sponsorship partnerships, that that’s the reason [players are gambling],” he finished.
As the NBA tries to scrape together a compelling case to win over fans they may have lost, players like Green are ideal to lead the charge.
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