Draymond: Kings 'have sucked,' but 'they're changing that'

After declaring before the season that the Sacramento Kings "stink," Golden State Warriors guard Draymond Green is now giving props to Mike Brown's squad.

Green addressed his previous remark on the "#thisleague Uncut" podcast with Chris Haynes and Marc Stein, saying that he stands by his comments about the Kings but credits them for turning things around this season.

"The Kings have sucked, let's just face it," Green said. "Since I've been in the NBA, they have sucked. They have not made the playoffs since I've been in the NBA. So it's not like some bulletin board of disrespect, it's actually a fact. They are who (the Warriors) were when I came into the NBA. They're changing that.

"I also said on that episode, now the Kings got (head coach) Mike Brown, and I expect that to change. I also had De'Aaron Fox on my podcast, and I told Fox, 'Fox, this is on you. Kings get to the playoffs, this is on you, my brother.'"

Fox earned his first All-Star selection this season, averaging 25 points, 6.1 assists, and 4.2 rebounds per game, and is the favorite to win the NBA's inaugural Jerry West Clutch Player of the Year Award.

Green made the remark about the Kings on "The Shop" in October while explaining that he finds it difficult to get amped up for games against bad teams, unlike when he's facing the likes of LeBron James or Giannis Antetokounmpo.

The Kings clinched the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference and their first playoff berth since 2006. They'll face the Warriors in Game 1 of their opening-round playoff series Saturday at Golden 1 Center.

"I give credit where credit is due," Green said. "What Mike Brown has gone to Sacramento and done is absolutely amazing. I expect him to continue taking that franchise upward in the right direction. I give them their props. They're doing a great job."