“Just say I’m not good enough!” Draymond Green SOUNDS OFF on being left from Team USA because of ‘ongoing controversies’

Golden State Warriors superstar Draymond Green was left out of the initial 41-man pool of players for Team USA’. This pool is for players who will go on to represent the United States Basketball team at the ‘s upcoming Paris Olympics campaign. But, Draymond had a different take on why he was left out of the pool.

USA Basketball men’s team managing director Grant Hill provided the reason for Green’s omission from the pool. Hill said that Green’s recent suspensions and erratic play contributed to the decision to omit him. Green was speaking on his podcast The Draymond Green Show hosted by Volume Sports. On the topic of his exclusion from the list, Green has his own take. Green said;

I wish that [Grant Hill] would have just said that to me. It hurt me a little bit. If I'm not good enough for that roster, just say I'm not good enough.

Green alluded that several superstars were on the list. So it was quite obvious that from a talent perspective, he would not have got a chance, despite Team USA choosing to cite his disciplinary issues.

Draymond Green has been to the last two Olympics as a part of the USA basketball teams. He won two Gold medals alongside his national teammates. Green mentions that during the 2016 selections, key injuries and withdrawals offered him the opportunity to be a part of the team. He makes it clear, that back then had those players decided to play for the United States, Green would not have been called up.

So for Grant Hill and the USA Basketball team to leave him off due to factors independent of the Olympics was not right. Green preferred if Grant Hill told him straight to his face if he was not good enough, rather than give reasons that do not make sense.

The Olympics and the dilemma of a great team

The Olympics are held over the summer. The NBA season finishes around the time the Olympics start. Players will be exhausted after a grueling season. They would prefer resting their tired bodies over the summer. Then there is the problem of injuries, as a range of stars might prefer to allow their bodies to heal even if it is for small injuries.

Green means that out of the player pool, most players might withdraw themselves out of the list. That is the catch. With many superstars already lined up, the list has plenty of options. If everyone can stay healthy, Team USA could possess the most star-studded lineup since the Dream Team.

So the list is not what the end result will be. If the opportunity presents itself, Green will not hesitate to wear the stripes for his country, despite the recent troubles.

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