Golden State Warriors veteran Draymond Green has reignited discussion about the franchise's 2021 NBA Draft selections following Jonathan Kuminga's recent trade request. The veteran forward's draft-night recommendations to former general manager Bob Myers have resurfaced, prompting Green to vigorously defend his involvement in those decisions.
During the 2021 draft, the Warriors held two valuable first-round picks at seventh and 14th overall. Green actively participated in the process, sending text messages to Myers that ultimately aligned exactly with the team's selections: Kuminga at seventh and Moses Moody at 14th. These choices reflected Golden State's attempt to balance championship contention with long-term development.
Player involvement in personnel decisions has become increasingly common in successful organizations. On his podcast, "The Draymond Green Show," Green explained his philosophy: "I would always give suggestions in drafts and free agency and all of that stuff. That's what you do when you have successful teams." He framed his participation as standard practice rather than unusual influence.
Time has complicated the narrative around these picks. Kuminga, now in his fifth season, has fallen completely out of coach Steve Kerr's rotation, appearing in just 18 games while averaging 11.8 points on 43.1 percent shooting. His frustration recently culminated in a formal trade request, signaling a definitive rupture.
Despite this outcome, Green remains steadfast. "Yes, I still believe and love the Jonathan Kuminga pick and Moses Moody pick," he affirmed. He acknowledged Kuminga's struggles candidly: "With JK, it hasn't gone so well... I've built a relationship that'll last the rest of my life [that] I'm forever grateful for. But it just hasn't quite gone the way anyone would have wanted it to go."
The inherent uncertainty of draft decisions forms Green's primary defense. He calls NBA scouting "an inexact science," where thorough evaluation cannot guarantee success. Green dismissed Kuminga's critics directly: "If you wouldn't have drafted JK with the seventh pick, you're an idiot." This strong statement reflects his belief that Kuminga's pre-draft profile—elite athleticism, defensive versatility, and offensive potential—justified the selection regardless of outcome.
The contrast with Moody's emergence provides a compelling case study. Selected seven picks later, Moody has carved out a significant role, starting 30 of 41 games this season as a reliable three-point shooter and defender. His contributions earned a second contract, cementing his status as a foundational rotation piece.
"Moses, I think, it has worked," Green explained. "Moses is a starter on this team. He signed a second contract. He has a role and a niche on this team..." He extended his defense to Moody's critics: "And if you didn't think Moses is a great rotational piece, starting player on our team, if you don't think he's worth the 14th pick, you're an idiot. And so definitely stand by that."
Divergent outcomes illustrate roster construction complexity. While Moody may never become a star, his ability to fill a specific role marks his selection as successful. He provides spacing, defensive intensity, and maturity—qualities championship teams need from supporting players. Kuminga entered with a higher ceiling but lower floor, requiring developmental patience a contending team couldn't consistently provide.
Green's perspective extends beyond immediate results. "Love those guys. And they both got bright futures in this league," he shared. "And I will continue to watch them fulfill those futures, fulfill their dreams, reach their level of greatness, whatever that level of greatness within them is."
This reveals the human element often overlooked in draft analysis. For Green, relationships forged during his time as teammate and mentor hold intrinsic value separate from production. Guiding young talent and sharing championship culture creates bonds that transcend transactional decisions.
The Warriors' developmental challenges with Kuminga reflect broader NBA tensions. Teams attempting to remain competitive while integrating raw talent face conflicts between winning now and building for later. Golden State's championship window with Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Green demanded immediate contributions, leaving limited room for Kuminga's growing pains. This inability to balance priorities led to the current impasse.
As the trade deadline approaches, Kuminga's future remains uncertain. Multiple teams have reportedly expressed interest, viewing him as a reclamation project. The Warriors must weigh potential returns against the sunk cost of a top-ten pick who never materialized in their system.
Green's defense serves multiple purposes. It reinforces his credibility as a talent evaluator, protects his relationships with both players, and maintains his pattern of candid organizational commentary. By calling critics "idiots," Green creates a narrative that absolves the decision-making process while acknowledging disappointing results.
The veteran's commentary also highlights evolving player empowerment in NBA front offices. As stars gain influence, their track records face increased scrutiny. Green's willingness to publicly own his suggestions—even with mixed results—demonstrates accountability rarely seen from players in similar positions.
Looking ahead, both players will continue their careers with lessons from their Warriors tenure. For Moody, Golden State represents a stable foundation where his skills are valued. For Kuminga, a fresh start offers opportunity to find an organization better suited to maximizing his skill set.
Green's final thoughts reflect mature understanding of professional sports' unpredictability. "I look forward to them reaching that and I will continue to be big fans of their journeys," he concluded, separating personal investment from professional outcome. This acknowledges that draft decisions represent only single chapters in longer narratives.
The episode reminds us that draft evaluation remains as much art as science. Success cannot be measured solely by whether a player thrives with their original team, but by whether they reach potential in the right environment. Green's defense of both players ultimately rests on this broader view—one that values process over outcome and potential over immediate production.
As the Warriors navigate this transitional period, the legacy of their 2021 draft selections will continue generating discussion. Whether viewed as missed opportunities or necessary risks, the stories of Kuminga and Moody illustrate complexities of building a sustainable winner in the modern NBA. Green's vocal support ensures his role in those decisions remains part of the conversation.