Draymond Green did not mince his words when discussing the respect that each generation of basketball players shows the next. The Golden State Warriors star spoke on his podcast with former NBA star Baron Davis about the ongoing debate about the NBA’s eras.
While this debate has always been ongoing, LeBron James’ recent statements that Giannis Antetokounmpo could score 250 points if he played in the ’70s fueled it once again. Since Green considers himself to be a part of the new media, he decided to share his perspective on the topic.
Draymond Green and Baron Davis Debate Over ‘Giving Respect’
Davis played in the NBA for 13 seasons and is best known for his time with the Charlotte Hornets and Golden State. His career began in 1999 and ended after the 2011-12 season. Green shares a podcast with him — “The Draymond Green Show with Baron Davis” — and the two discussed the attitude that the older generation shows the current one in a recent episode.
Davis tried to claim that the older generation deserves unchallenged respect and is “allowed” to feel that their era was better. Green appeared stunned to hear this and did not hold back from sharing his true thoughts
“People say you must respect each era, but the past eras don’t respect this era. S****in’ me. You don’t see some of the things these guys say?” Green said.
Davis tried to rationalize his take, but Green did not stay on board.
“I disagree in the fact, that, no these eras don’t respect us. I’ve seen several guys talk over and over and over again, not in a positive light. I don’t think that respect is passed down to us from the other generation, but I think people are quick to say you gotta respect them because they came before. I don’t agree with that.”
"People say you should respect each era, but the past eras don't respect this era" @Money23Green and @BaronDavis debate how respect should be earned, not given, to players from different eras. pic.twitter.com/PdCoxCcxuN
— The Draymond Green Show with Baron Davis (@DraymondShow) April 1, 2025
Green continued to emphasize his point, “My respect is earned, and what you did to somebody else don’t necessarily earn you respect. Just because you played before me does not mean you deserve respect; I’m sorry, but God had in his plan for you to be born before me, and you just deserve respect because of that? Nah, my mama ain’t raised me that way. Respect is earned.”
Perhaps both sides will be unable to agree on this and find a balance. In an ideal world, each generation feels strongly about its own but has respect for the next generation. However, it does beg the question of how Green will feel about his era of basketball and how it compares to a generation 30 years in the future, especially as he remains a part of NBA media after retirement.