Draymond Green Recalled Past NBA Altercations

Draymond Green discussed an incident with Deni Avdija and a missed retaliation against Xavier Tillman.

Updated on Oct. 11, 2026 in Basketball

Draymond Green Recalled Past NBA Altercations

Live Poll

Do you believe professional athletes should hold onto grudges for physical plays during games?

Golden State Warriors star Draymond Green recently shared insights on his physical on-court history. He addressed a 2024 altercation with Deni Avdija and noted a 2022 incident involving Xavier Tillman that went unanswered.

Why it matters

Green explained that he has not retaliated against Xavier Tillman because Tillman left the NBA to play overseas, though he hinted at a potential future confrontation in Michigan. He also expressed respect for Deni Avdija due to the grace Avdija showed during their tense matchup.

In the October 2024 game against the Warriors, the Trail Blazers secured a 139-119 win, highlighted by Deni Avdija scoring 26 points. Xavier Tillman competed in the NBA for 6 seasons before moving to the Turkish club Trabzonspor.

The players

Draymond Green

He is a long-time forward for the Golden State Warriors known for his defensive intensity and playmaking.

Deni Avdija

He is an NBA player for the Portland Trail Blazers who was drafted into the league in 2020.

Xavier Tillman

He is a professional basketball player who won a title with the Boston Celtics before moving his career to Turkey.

The details

Green recounted how he suffered a bloodied right eye after Xavier Tillman elbowed him in 2022, a physical play he never successfully retaliated against. Following his 2024 NBA championship win with the Boston Celtics, Tillman signed with Trabzonspor, effectively ending the immediate possibility of a court-based response.

Xavier Tillman elbowed Draymond Green in the face in 2022.
Draymond Green and Deni Avdija had an on-court incident in October 2024.
Xavier Tillman won an NBA championship in 2024.
Xavier Tillman was traded to the Hornets in 2026.

Season Trajectory

These recollections reflect how veteran players manage on-court rivalries throughout their careers. Such commentary often shapes the competitive narrative between teams during the long NBA season.

Draymond Green's comments highlight that internal league rivalries often persist long after players change teams or conferences. This provides context for how veteran players maintain physical boundaries during high-scoring games.

The takeaway

Professional athletes often navigate long-standing physical rivalries with calculated patience. Understanding these personal histories provides deeper insight into the emotional intensity found in modern basketball games.