Klay Thompson Sparks Rivalry by Calling Draymond Green ‘The Opps’
For the first time in their illustrious careers, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green are no longer teammates. Once the backbone of a Golden State Warriors dynasty that secured four championships, these two future Hall of Famers now find themselves on opposite sides of the court. Their transition from teammates to rivals has ignited plenty of chatter, with Thompson playfully referring to Green as “the opps,” signaling their new competitive dynamic.
A Playful Jab or Serious Shade?
Green recently shared the story on his podcast, The Draymond Green Show with Baron Davis, recounting an encounter that highlighted Thompson’s shift in mindset. Green’s trainer, Trav, was speaking to Kyrie Irving when Thompson jokingly called Green “the opps.”
“Trav was talking to Ky, and Klay walked up and said, ‘Oh, you talking to the opps? Don’t be talking to the opps,'” Green recounted. Initially brushing it off as lighthearted banter, Green later admitted there might have been a deeper meaning behind Thompson’s words.
The Joke That Cut Deeper
The playful remark didn’t end there. Thompson doubled down the following day during another encounter. Green described how Thompson repeated the same line, prompting Green to reevaluate the interaction.
“The next day, I’m working out and talking to Ky, and sure enough, Klay walks up and says the same thing—’Come on, Ky, you can’t be talking to the opps.’ That’s when I told Trav, ‘Now I’m going to run through his chest,’ because there’s some seriousness to that joke,” Green revealed.
Green acknowledged their history as teammates and the deep understanding they share. He speculated that Thompson’s words may carry a competitive edge, foreshadowing a fiery rivalry this season.
Friendship Tested on the Court
Despite the banter, Green emphasized that their relationship remains strong. However, he didn’t shy away from the competitive energy brewing between them. The two players are set to face off on November 12th, a date Green predicted would be emotionally charged for Thompson.
“Unfortunately for him, he’s going to get a great tribute video. People will be very happy to see him,” Green said. “He’s going to have to deal with those emotions when he comes back.”
While Green expressed admiration for Thompson, he made it clear that their friendship wouldn’t soften his competitive spirit.
Rivalry Adds Fuel to the Fire
Green didn’t hold back when discussing the irony of Thompson’s comments, especially considering Thompson joined a team the Warriors had previously defeated in the playoffs.
“It’s kind of crazy that Klay went and joined the opps. We beat them in a playoff series two years ago, and he called me the opps,” Green remarked. “How is he calling me the opps if you joined the opps?”
Green further hinted at the possibility of a playoff showdown between their teams, adding another layer of excitement to their rivalry.
“Hopefully, we’ll meet them in the conference finals, which means he definitely had a good year. Unfortunately, it would just have to end not quite how he wanted. I can’t root for him past that,” Green concluded.
What This Means for Fans
The Thompson-Green rivalry could become one of the most captivating storylines of the season. With their deep history, competitive fire, and mutual respect, every matchup promises to deliver high drama. Fans can expect thrilling battles and emotional moments as these two former teammates face off.
Looking Ahead to November 12th
The first clash between Thompson and Green’s teams on November 12th is already generating buzz. With Thompson’s tribute video set to stir emotions and Green’s fiery competitive streak ready to ignite, this game will likely set the tone for their rivalry.
While their friendship remains intact off the court, the intensity between them on the court is undeniable. Fans should buckle up for an electrifying season as these two champions transition from teammates to opponents, each determined to prove their dominance.
