Draymond Green and Charles Barkley spar again on TNT

Is Draymond Green ready for his TV closeup? It certainly looks that way — and Charles Barkley should be at least a little concerned.

For the second straight year, the Warriors aren’t in the NBA playoffs. But while his teammates are easing into their vacations (or licking their wounds), Green is once again serving as a part-time in-studio analyst for TNT.

And once again, he’s getting into it with Sir Charles.

At one point during Monday’s telecast, host Ernie Johnson asked Green who he believes will win the Eastern Conference title. Not surprisingly, Draymond Green picked the talent-laden Brooklyn Nets with a roster that includes former Warriors teammate Kevin Durant.

But Barkley interjected and claimed the Milwaukee Bucks are ready to pick off the Nets in Round 2. Green’s reply was a terse “Good luck, Chuck.”

At another point, Barkley boldly insisted that the Los Angles Clippers-Dallas Mavericks Western Conference series is “over,” asserting that the Clippers are locks, despite the fact the series is knotted at 2-2.

Green, expressing skepticism, immediately put Barkley on the spot, saying “I’d love to see you press the button” — a reference to a button that lights up the studio whenever a panelist makes a prediction they fully “guarantee.” Sir Charles, perhaps succumbing to peer pressure, did just that.

"I'd love to see you press the button"@Money23Green got to see Chuck make a guarantee on the Clippers beating Dallas pic.twitter.com/BxgcQ6DWDg

— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) June 1, 2021

Alas, anyone who has followed Barkley’s prognostications over the years knows that he is often hilariously way off target.

Draymond is very good at this pic.twitter.com/XijoEjGe9R

— Wes Goldberg (@wcgoldberg) June 1, 2021

Of course, Green and Barkley have a little history when it comes to exchanging trash talk. Last year, Green even playfully threatened to supplant Barkley on the TNT set.

“If he keeps talking, I’ll take (his job) soon — sooner than he thinks,” Green said. “He probably should keep quiet. He also can’t talk basketball with me, either. Not smart enough, not qualified.”

Whether it’s on TNT or elsewhere, Green is sure to land a TV job when his playing days are over. He’s funny, hugely entertaining and can match analytical minds with anyone. His current stint on TNT continues through June 2. He’ll join Johnson, Shaquille O’Neal and Barkley for Tuesday’s studio coverage, while being paired with Johnson, O’Neal and Kenny Smith for Wednesday’s shows.