Draymond Green Aims for Redemption in All-Star Skills Challenge

OAKLAND, Calif. – Draymond Green returns to NBA All-Star Weekend looking to make a mark in the Skills Challenge this Saturday. The Golden State Warriors star, a four-time champion and four-time All-Star, will not be playing in the All-Star Game at Chase Center on Sunday, but he is eager to participate in the Skills Challenge, where he hopes for a better outcome than in his first appearance.

In 2016, during his first All-Star experience, Green faced Karl-Anthony Towns in the Skills Challenge. Although he started strong and seemed poised for victory, he ultimately fell short. Green and Towns advanced through the obstacle course at an equal pace, with Green making his pass first. However, Green’s attempts at a final three-pointer went awry. “Being in the Skills Challenge, I’ve done it once before and didn’t quite succeed at it,” Green stated on Saturday at Oakland Arena.

This time, Green will be teamed up with Moses Moody, adding a fresh dynamic to their approach. They are one of four paired teams competing, alongside Team Spurs (Chris Paul and Victor Wembanyama), Team Cavs (Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley), and Team Rooks (Alex Sarr and Zaccharie Risacher). “I just really wanted to be a part of it,” Green expressed. “I figured if I’m ever going to do it again, what better place than to do it at home?”

The Skills Challenge kicks off All-Star Saturday night, which will also feature the 3-Point Contest and Dunk Contest. Green and Moody’s capabilities will be tested with an emphasis on dribbling, passing, and shooting. Moody boasts a 37.5 percent three-point shooting average this season, while Green has a 34.3 percent average.

<p"My best skill? I think my best skill is my IQ,” Green said, highlighting the strategic side of the competition. With the advantage of playing on home court, both Warriors are ready to face a competitive field as Green aims to redeem his previous loss in the Skills Challenge nearly a decade ago.