PHOENIX – After the awkward interaction on Inside the NBA, Charles Barkley took the time to clap back at Draymond Green following his intended insult. The incident happened on Wednesday, after the former Phoenix Suns MVP was talking about Green’s team, the Golden State Warriors, time as contenders is over. As the show progressed, the former defensive player of the year took an odd shot at Barkley by making fun of his final four years with the Houston Rockets.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The 36-year-old stated you never want to look like “Charles Barkley in a Houston Rockets uniform” when you get old in the league. The Inside the NBA crew questioned what Green meant by that, leading to a long, awkward couple minutes of television.
The moment didn’t go well for Green on social media, with fans roasting the four-time champion. However, Barkley seemingly took the high road with his comments on Arizona Sports about the incident.
Nov 21, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns former player Charles Barkley sits courtside against the Minnesota Timberwolves during an NBA Cup game at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Barkley on not “punching down’ at Draymond:
Barkley’s comments on not punching down could be seen as a subtle insult, which led to a massive diss of stating they are not on the same level. Even if you look strictly at Barkley’s years in Houston, from age 33 to 36, he will always clear Green. Disregard his five first-team All-Pro seasons and MVP trophy, Barkley in his final year of history averaged more points and rebounds than any year in Green’s career.
Apr 17, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green gestures the crowd after being ejected against the Phoenix Suns during the closing seconds of the play-in rounds of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Green is a four-time NBA champion and a part of the last dynasty in league’s history. However, his contributions get lost in the shuffle because of the unimpressive counting stats and the stellar cast surrounding him. Green has benefited from playing with all-time greats like Kevin Durant, Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson and being coached by Steve Kerr.
While in league history, Green will likely end of being underrated for his career, his loud mouth, arrogant personality will have many fans sour for his impact as a player. Barkley did say Green is a good player but when comparing the two, it isn’t really a close battle.
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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
