In a surprising turn of events, Golden State Warriors star Draymond Green has made a candid and unexpected statement about Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert, signaling a potential end to their long-standing feud. The revelation came after a heated playoff matchup between the Warriors and Timberwolves, a series that has reignited discussions about their contentious history. Green’s words have not only shocked NBA fans but also hinted at a newfound respect that could reshape their rivalry.
A History of Tension
The Draymond Green-Rudy Gobert saga has been one of the NBA’s most intriguing rivalries, marked by physical altercations, verbal jabs, and mutual disdain. During the 2023-24 season, Green was suspended for five games after a highly publicized incident where he put Gobert in a chokehold during an on-court scuffle. Reflecting on the moment later, Green admitted he was unaware of how long he held Gobert, stating, “When I watched it back, I said, ‘Damn, I held him much longer than I realized in that moment.’” He stood by his actions, emphasizing his loyalty to his teammates but acknowledged the intensity of the encounter.
The bad blood didn’t stop there. Green has frequently criticized Gobert’s defensive prowess, questioning the validity of Gobert’s multiple Defensive Player of the Year awards. Meanwhile, Gobert has maintained a more reserved stance, often letting his performance on the court speak for itself. Their rivalry has been a focal point for fans, with each Warriors-Timberwolves matchup carrying an extra layer of drama.
Green’s Surprising Praise
Fast forward to the 2025 NBA Playoffs, where the Warriors and Timberwolves faced off in a highly competitive series. After Game 5, Green stunned the basketball world with glowing praise for Gobert and the Timberwolves. Speaking to reporters, Green lauded Gobert’s impact, saying, “(He) did an incredible job.” This marked a stark contrast to his previous criticisms, where he had openly questioned Gobert’s defensive dominance.
Green didn’t stop at praising Gobert individually. He went on to theorize about the Timberwolves’ championship potential, suggesting that their cohesive play and Gobert’s anchoring presence could make them serious contenders. “This time last year, I was calling out Rudy every chance I had,” Green admitted. “But going head-to-head, you see the work he’s put in. He’s a problem out there.” This unexpected shift in tone has left fans and analysts buzzing about what prompted Green’s change of heart.
The Context of the Playoff Series
The Warriors-Timberwolves series has been a battle of grit and determination. Despite Minnesota’s underwhelming 12-11 record earlier in the season, Gobert expressed optimism about his team’s trajectory, a sentiment that seems to have been validated by their playoff performance. Gobert’s ability to dominate the paint and anchor the Timberwolves’ defense has been pivotal, and Green’s acknowledgment of this underscores the big man’s impact.
The series also brought additional drama off the court. The NBA fined Green $50,000 for an unspecified incident before a Warriors-Timberwolves game, while the Timberwolves organization addressed two separate fan-related incidents involving Green. Despite these distractions, Green’s focus appeared to shift toward recognizing Gobert’s contributions, suggesting that the intensity of playoff basketball may have fostered mutual respect.
A Turning Point in the Rivalry
Green’s comments have sparked widespread reactions across the NBA community. Posts on X captured the sentiment, with one user noting, “Draymond praising Rudy Gobert? Never thought I’d see the day.” Another highlighted the significance of Green’s words, stating, “This feels like the end of an era. Draymond and Rudy might actually respect each other now.”
The shift in Green’s perspective could signal a turning point in their rivalry. Known for his fiery competitiveness, Green’s willingness to publicly commend Gobert suggests a level of maturity and reflection. As one source put it, “Draymond Green’s surprising praise for Timberwolves hints at the end of his feud with Rudy Gobert and newfound playoff respect.”
What’s Next for Green and Gobert?
As the Warriors and Timberwolves continue their playoff battle, all eyes will be on Green and Gobert to see if this newfound respect translates into a less contentious on-court dynamic. For Green, the series is a chance to lead a Warriors team whose championship window may be narrowing. For Gobert, it’s an opportunity to solidify his status as one of the league’s premier big men and silence his critics, including Green.
Green’s candid confession has added a new layer to their story, transforming a rivalry once defined by animosity into one that may now be rooted in mutual admiration. Whether this marks the definitive end of their feud remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Draymond Green’s shocking words have rewritten the narrative of their rivalry, leaving fans eager to see what happens next.