Memphis Grizzlies star Jaren Jackson Jr. recently shared a surprising and hilarious piece of advice he received from Golden State Warriors veteran Draymond Green. Known for his fiery personality and defensive prowess, Green has never been shy about offering his insights—both on and off the court. This time, his words left Jackson Jr. and fans alike both amused and intrigued.
During a recent interview, Jackson Jr. revealed that Green gave him some unexpected wisdom about surviving in the NBA. “Draymond told me, ‘Man, sometimes you just gotta talk crazy out there. Even if you don’t believe it, make them believe it,’” Jackson Jr. said with a laugh. The comment perfectly encapsulates Green’s trademark mentality, where psychological warfare is just as important as physical play.
Green’s advice speaks to a larger strategy that has defined his career—using mind games and confidence to disrupt opponents. As one of the league’s most vocal players, Green has built a reputation for getting inside opponents’ heads, often shifting momentum simply through his words and antics. For Jackson Jr., who is still evolving as a leader, such insights could prove invaluable.
Jackson Jr., the reigning Defensive Player of the Year, has already established himself as one of the NBA’s top defenders. However, his personality is far different from Green’s, as he tends to let his game do the talking. If he adopts even a fraction of Green’s verbal approach, it could add a new layer to his defensive dominance and leadership on the court.
Fans reacted with amusement to the revelation, with many joking that Jackson Jr. might need to channel his inner Draymond to elevate his game further. Some even speculated whether he would start chirping more during games, taking a page from Green’s playbook. “Imagine JJJ talking like Draymond—Memphis might be unstoppable,” one fan posted on social media.
Despite the lighthearted nature of Green’s advice, there’s a serious undertone to it. Confidence and psychological edge are crucial in a league where even the slightest advantage can make a difference. Green has used his voice as a weapon for years, and if Jackson Jr. incorporates that mindset, it could make him an even more formidable force in the NBA.
The relationship between Green and Jackson Jr. is also an interesting one, given their past battles on the court. The Warriors and Grizzlies have developed a heated rivalry in recent years, with Green often at the center of the trash talk. Yet, behind the scenes, it’s clear there is mutual respect between the two elite defenders.
As the Grizzlies push toward playoff contention, Jackson Jr. may look to apply Green’s advice in his own way. Whether that means more vocal leadership, on-court banter, or simply an even stronger mental approach, one thing is certain—Draymond’s influence extends far beyond just his own team.