Austin Rivers Claps Back at Draymond Green’s Diss: “You Are a Backpack Shooter”

Austin Rivers calls out Draymond Green for being the luckiest player in NBA history.

Austin Rivers Claps Back at Draymond Green’s Diss: “You Are a Backpack Shooter”

Austin Rivers and Draymond Green (Image credits - Firstsportz)

Austin Rivers and Draymond Green have been caught up in a war of words over the last few days. The two share some history with each other as they were drafted into the NBA in the same draft class in 2012.

Rivers was drafted by the New Orleans Hornets as the 10th overall pick, while Green was drafted by the Golden State Warriors as the 35th pick. However, the two went on to have very different NBA careers and resumes.

Rivers went on to play for multiple teams before calling time on his career in 2023. Meanwhile, Green went on to win multiple championships and played an instrumental role in the Warriors dynasty. He continues to play for the Warriors and even has a Defensive Player of the Year award to his name.

Draymond Green has always been known for speaking his mind. Despite not being in the playoffs, he made headlines recently when he said that Steve Kerr hindered his offensive game. The Warriors star is often regarded as one of the best defenders to ever play the game, but has been limited when it comes to his offensive skill set.

Rivers called out Green and criticized him for questioning a coach who got the best out of him. His comments were not taken well by Green, who fired back by criticizing Rivers’ NBA career. He even went on to say that Rivers benefited from nepotism as his father is Doc Rivers, a renowned head coach.

Rivers decided to respond and came out swinging at the four-time champion.

I was ranked No. 1, you were ranked I don’t know. You were a really good college player, but it’s hard to compare because I was only there for 6 months. Something you could never do. You are the backpack jumpshooter. The guy everyone leaves open. No one guards you. There are hours and hours of film of you being left open. Talking about Steve Kerr hindered your career. Steve Kerr made your career.

Austin Rivers’ response to Draymond Green

Rivers currently serves as an analyst for NBC. While Green’s 2025-26 campaign came to an end in the Play-In Tournament after losing to the Phoenix Suns.

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Austin Rivers calls Draymond Green the luckiest basketball player ever

There is no doubt that Draymond Green is a future Hall of Famer. Known for his defensive prowess and ability to guard all five positions, he is seen as the leader during the Warriors’ championship runs. He formed a formidable trio alongside Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson.

However, for all his achievements, Austin Rivers called Green the luckiest basketball player he has ever seen.

You are the luckiest basketball player I have ever seen. You were drafted to a franchise with a Hall of Fame office, Hall of Fame coach, the greatest shooter of all-time and perhaps top 5 all-time, another top 5 shooter and Hall of Famer, the swiss army knife himself, another Hall of Famer, not to mention one of the most lethal scorers of all-time and arguably top 10 player of all-time, Kevin Durant.

Austin Rivers in his 3 minute video

While Green was instrumental in all of the Warriors’ four championships, he was never seen as the star of the team. Playing alongside the likes of Kevin Durant, Curry and Thompson, Green has been blessed to have some of the best players to ever play the game as his teammates.

Draymond Green’s future with the Warriors is up in the air

The Warriors dynasty has come to an end. Kerr, Curry and Green ended the 2025-26 campaign together, but it is highly likely that Kerr’s time with the Dubs has come to an end after embracing his two veterans after their Play-In Tournament exit.

Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and Steve Kerr huddling after their last game
Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and Steve Kerr huddling after their last game (Image via NBA Central/X)

Meanwhile, Green’s career is at a crossroads. He was heavily rumored to leave as the Warriors were looking to include him in the trade package for Giannis Antetokounmpo at the trade deadline. But no move materialized, and Green ended up staying for the remainder of the season.

The Warriors will be expected to be active in the offseason this year. The front office will look to extend Curry’s championship window, as their franchise player turned 38 this year. Hence, it is expected that Green may see his 13-year spell with the Warriors come to an end this year.

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