It feels like there was more pushback in the NBA this season about playing on Christmas Day, which is a major league-wide tradition.
LeBron James made his feelings known before the holiday. Golden State Warriors star Draymond Green shared his thoughts after the Dubs had beaten the Mavericks on Christmas.
Draymond’s comments were strong, and the hate he is receiving for them is just as strong.
First, here’s what Green said:
“Playing on Christmas Day also f—ing sucks. And the reason it sucks is, number one, what I—what I just said, uh, it can affect your mood. Number two, we are human beings and, just like everyone else, enjoy Christmas Day with our families. That kinda gets messed up for us. Um, they’re in their homes or on vacation with their families, makin’ memories. We don’t—we don’t get that opportunity.
“So I hate when people are like, ‘Oh man, it’s an honor to play on Christmas Day.’ People should shut up. Like, no—you should shut up, because whether you played on Christmas Day or not, I don’t—I don’t really care about the perspective.
“Playing on Christmas Day is great, it’s fun, you get all the eyeballs, but you miss family time.”
OK, well, that’s a very Green-level of energy on those thoughts.
One of the top replies on X says this: “So whiny. Then retire. Celebrate the day before or day after. You’re on a top team to be featured at all. Any sympathy for the service workers at the arenas? Or just you?”
Green also said that “no one works on Christmas Day” in his rant, prompting another user to point out that NBA players aren’t the only ones working on the holiday: “Also tell that to the Sheetz worker on Xmas morning when they there at 4 am.”
Former NBA sharpshooter Michael Redd made a cameo in the comments, too: “I already know these comments are wild.”
There are, of course, plenty of basketball fans who don’t love Green’s antics already, so this was an easy chance to jump on him.
It is understandable to relate to what he’s saying, even if there’s also a natural pushback from a variety of directions.
At least for Green’s sake, the Warriors were at home and won the game. It could’ve been worse on both fronts.
