Draymond Green Calls Out People Criticizing LeBron James For Commuting To Philly From New York in Helicopter

Draymond Green believes there’s way too much attention on LeBron James’ decision to regularly commute by helicopter from New York to Philadelphia.

Draymond Green Calls Out People Criticizing LeBron James For Commuting To Philly From New York in Helicopter

Draymond Green and LeBron James (Image credits - Bleacher Report and WRAL)

LeBron James shocked the NBA world when he left the Los Angeles Lakers after eight seasons with the team. While he was linked to several teams, his decision to sign with the Philadelphia 76ers surprised many, as he had no prior affiliation with the franchise.

Following his move, the big question was whether he would live in Philly. With no prior connections to the city and no family around him, James confirmed that he will split his time between New York and Philadelphia while playing for the 76ers.

While the commute by road would take him roughly two hours one-way, the King decided to save time and fly via helicopter, which takes around 45 minutes. The story of James’ commute has overshadowed the potential for good basketball in Philly.

Golden State Warriors star Draymond Green defended James and believes people should let him fly in peace.

Well, here’s my thoughts on this. Number one, like let that man fly in peace. Like, y’all recording this man every time he take off and land and he’s landing in the city and landing, leaving like, let that man fly in peace. Let that brother get to work. How he going to get to work and get home? How he going to get home.

Draymond Green on The Draymond Green Show

Green and James share a good relationship with each other off the court. During James’ free agency, Green tried to convince him to sign with the Warriors. While James eventually decided to join the 76ers, Green has continued to show support for his friend.

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LeBron James’ partnership with Fanatics is fully covering his helicopter costs

James’ decision to commute by helicopter to and from the Philly training facility has garnered a lot of attention across the NBA world. Some were even left worried for him as they drew parallels to Kobe Bryant and his regular helicopter commutes.

The 41-year-old has been in the NBA for 23 years. During his career, LeBron James has become a billionaire through his on-court and off-court earnings. However, his latest deal with the 76ers will see him earn just $8 million over two years.

Reports show that his regular helicopter commute will cost around $800k during the season. According to TMZ, James won’t spend a dime on his trips because of his partnership with Fanatics.

The deal with Fanatics gives him free, unlimited access to a Fanatics helicopter. Some have been critical about the deal and his commitment to Philly, but at the end of the day, it seems the 76ers are okay with him making the trip regularly.

Draymond Green will see a new role in Golden State next season

While James and the 76ers are seen as legitimate championship contenders ahead of the new season, things look very different for Draymond Green and the Warriors. The Warriors failed to sign James and didn’t pursue any other big names during the offseason.

Draymond Green
Draymond Green (Image credits – ESPN)

The Dubs have decided to run it back with the same roster and are nowhere near title contenders as presently constructed. While Green has been a part of the organization for 14 years, it looks like he may be seeing a new role in Golden State.

Steve Kerr (recently) said to us ‘Just an FYI, I’m no longer giving you guys a pass to turn the ball over more than everyone else’. As far as shooting the 3, Kerr told me towards the end of last year, ‘I want you shooting the 3,’ and I was like ‘oh shit’, even when I was shooting the ball great, it was just something that I had never heard.”

Green has never been known for being a scorer. His career-best scoring season came in 2015-16, when he averaged 14 points per game. However, the situation demands that the former Defensive Player of the Year shoot more threes, as the team is very reliant on Stephen Curry until Jimmy Butler returns early next year.

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