Draymond Green Criticizes 'Scoring-Only' Players' Value in NBA

Green says players like Cam Thomas who lack defensive intensity are losing worth in today's league.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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Golden State Warriors veteran Draymond Green offered a blunt assessment of the current NBA landscape, emphasizing that players who rely mainly on scoring are losing their value. Green's comments came after Cam Thomas, who recently joined the Milwaukee Bucks, scored 34 points in a game without star Giannis Antetokounmpo. Green highlighted that scoring alone no longer guarantees influence in the league, as front offices and coaching staffs now favor players who can contribute on both ends of the floor.

Why it matters

Green's remarks reflect an important trend in the NBA, where the league increasingly rewards players who bring a complete game. While scoring remains vital, title contenders demand contributions beyond scoring bursts, with a focus on defensive versatility and two-way play.

The details

Cam Thomas joined the Bucks to enhance their offensive options, which often depend heavily on Giannis Antetokounmpo's contributions. With Giannis sidelined, Thomas stepped up significantly against the Orlando Magic, earning praise from teammates and coach Doc Rivers. However, Green questioned the value of players like Thomas, stating that 'the value of that player right now today is probably at the lowest it's been.' Green noted that front offices and coaching staffs now favor players who can switch defensively across multiple positions and handle space effectively, as pure scorers who struggle defensively create challenges within team lineups, especially during playoff runs.

  • On February 11, 2026, Draymond Green made his comments about the declining value of 'scoring-only' players in the NBA.

The players

Draymond Green

A veteran forward for the Golden State Warriors who is known for his defensive intensity and versatility.

Cam Thomas

A young guard who recently joined the Milwaukee Bucks to enhance their offensive options.

Giannis Antetokounmpo

The star player for the Milwaukee Bucks, who was sidelined for the game in which Cam Thomas scored 34 points.

Doc Rivers

The head coach of the Milwaukee Bucks.

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What they’re saying

“Cam Thomas signed to the Bucks. Unfortunately for Cam Thomas, the type of player that he is, the value of that player right now today is probably at the lowest it's been,”

— Draymond Green

“Guys who score at an elite level but doesn't quite compete on the defensive end, they're just really losing value in this league of guys where…”

— Draymond Green

“Cam, you get what?”

— Doc Rivers, Head Coach, Milwaukee Bucks

“I get buckets,”

— Cam Thomas, Guard, Milwaukee Bucks

What’s next

The Bucks will continue to integrate Cam Thomas into their system, balancing his scoring ability with the team's need for defensive stability.

The takeaway

Draymond Green's comments highlight the NBA's shift towards valuing players who can contribute on both ends of the floor, as teams increasingly prioritize defensive versatility and two-way play over pure scoring prowess. This trend reflects the league's evolving demands, where well-rounded contributors are more valuable than one-dimensional offensive specialists.