Draymond Green had some strong words for former NBA player Rasheed Wallace, responding to Wallace’s claim that the 2004 Detroit Pistons would defeat the 2017 Golden State Warriors.
Wallace’s Bold Statement
In a recent interview, Wallace asserted that his 2004 Pistons squad would “beat the s—t” out of the 2017 Warriors team. Wallace’s Pistons, known for their stifling defense, held opponents to an average of 84.3 points per game during the 2003–2004 NBA season and triumphed over the Los Angeles Lakers in the 2004 NBA Finals.
Green’s Fiery Response
Green took to social media to address Wallace’s claim. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Green wrote, “Sheed we would’ve smacked y’all. Y’all were scoring 72 points per game. That’s not winning a half. And we putting you and their big ass forces in every pick and roll. Let’s see you move their feet. That one ring was great, though, big bro. We all appreciated it!”
Sheed we would’ve smacked yall. Yall was scoring 72 points per game. That’s not winning a half. And we putting you and them big ass forces in every pick and roll. Let’s see you move them feet. That one ring was great though big bro. We all appreciated it! https://t.co/vcICDzfibr
— Draymond Green (@Money23Green) June 2, 2024
A Tale of Two Teams
The 2004 Pistons, featuring Chauncey Billups, Richard “Rip” Hamilton, Tayshaun Prince, Ben Wallace, and Rasheed Wallace, were known for their rugged defense. They held opponents to just 84.3 points per game and won the championship with a 4-1 victory over the Lakers.
In contrast, the 2017 Warriors, led by Kevin Durant, Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, Klay Thompson, and Andre Iguodala, were an offensive powerhouse. They averaged 115.9 points per game and had a historic playoff run, finishing 16-1 in the postseason, with their only loss in Game 4 of the NBA Finals against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Hypothetical Matchup
While Wallace’s Pistons excelled defensively, it’s unlikely they could match the scoring prowess of the 2017 Warriors. The Warriors’ combination of shooting, speed, and versatility would present significant challenges for the 2004 Pistons’ defense. Given their star power and offensive firepower, the Warriors would be heavily favored in a hypothetical matchup against the Pistons.
The debate between Green and Wallace highlights the differences in playing styles and strengths of their respective teams. While the 2004 Pistons’ defensive dominance is undisputed, the 2017 Warriors’ offensive capabilities make them a formidable opponent. Fans and analysts can only speculate on the outcome of such a matchup, but it’s clear that both teams left a lasting impact on the NBA.
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