Draymond Green knew exactly how to respond to CJ McCollum after the New Orleans Pelicans star picked the Celtics to win the NBA Finals over the Warriors.
McCollum, who now is a part-time analyst for ESPN, spoke to Green in the hallway near the Warriors' locker room after Golden State's 116-100 loss to the Boston Celtics in Game 3 of the NBA Finals, Yahoo Sports NBA insider Chris Haynes reported.
The Pelicans guard approached Green and was honest about his series prediction.
Stay in the game with the latest updates on your beloved Bay Area and California sports teams! Sign up here for our All Access Daily newsletter.
“I’ve got to tell you this. I picked Boston to win Game 3, I picked you guys to win Game 4. But ultimately, I’ve got the Celtics winning the Finals,” McCollum told Green. “I just want you to hear it from me first before you hear me say it on TV.”
“That’s fine," Green responded. "Those Celtics will still be ringless just like you. Respect.”
According to Haynes' report, Green walked away with a smirk on his face, indicating that the exchange was all in good fun.
“Damn, that was a good ass comeback,” McCollum reportedly said to himself. “But, hey, he heard it from me.”
Golden State Warriors
Find the latest Golden State Warriors news, highlights, analysis and more with NBC Sports Bay Area and California.
Haynes caught up with Green on Thursday after the Warriors' shoot-around, where the All-Star forward admitted that he appreciated the conversation and respects any current or former players who dive into the media landscape and offer analysis.
“With CJ last night, I appreciate it because that’s something people in this day and age don’t do,” Green told Yahoo Sports. “I’m a s--t talker. I’m always going to have something to say back. It just naturally comes out like that ... But I think CJ is incredible. I remember going back to his third or fourth year in the league, CJ was doing media when we were in the NBA Finals. He’s been doing it for a very long time and to see him rewarded with his deal with ESPN, I think is incredible for him. I think it’s incredible for the league.”
“So I didn’t take CJ’s comment last night personal at all. It’s just him talking s--t, me talking s--t and we keep it moving. There’s not a lot of honesty in this business anymore. And I think what players are bringing it back like CJ, like myself, like JJ Redick, who just retired two months ago and Pat Beverley. I think what players are bringing back to this is the truth. I love it.”
RELATED: Aggressive Game 4 balancing act required from Draymond
If there's anyone who appreciates a fellow player providing NBA analysis as a member of the media, it's Draymond.
Even his most respected colleagues, though, aren't immune from being roasted on the spot.