Draymond Green believes Myron Gardner is making a name for himself the wrong way. In his eyes, he's quickly becoming one NBA player who stirs the pot without 100 percent backing it up.
Gardner most recently got into a scuffle with Scotty Pippen Jr. when the Miami Heat faced off against the Memphis Grizzlies over the weekend. Gardner seemed to inadvertently run into Pippen Jr. while trying to contest a shot. Pippen Jr. took offense and tracked Gardner down on the other end of the floor.
It ended in a short scuffle between the two teams. But according to Draymond, this is not the first time Gardner has been in the middle of controversy. And that's his biggest issue with the way Gardner is handling himself.
"Myron Gardner this is becoming his MO… You gotta back it up it can’t just be imma pick these fights and can’t back it up with the game"Draymond Green on Myron Gardner
Myron Gardner is beginning to make waves for the Heat
Gardner recently got signed to a three-year deal with the Heat, after spending the first half of this season in Sioux Falls. Gardner has shown signs of promise as a player, but, as Draymond states, he must be careful how he continues to try to make a name for himself.
The last thing that a young player needs is to get on the bad side of players across the league. And even though this may not be the intentional goal for Gardner, it could be considered somewhat troubling that this is the reputation that he's beginning to develop. Even if it is just, for now, in the eyes of Draymond.
On the other hand, the Heat will say they love his aggression. In fact, I'd argue that the biggest reason this reputation is beginning to be built around Gardner is because of his aggressiveness on both ends of the floor.
This is the Heat way. This is how a young player is going to make waves in Miami. Gardner may not be the most talented individual talent on the roster, but his aggressiveness and hustle are what made him stand out.
I can't imagine Gardner is going to suddenly change now.
At the same time, you'd have to assume that there needs to be a happy medium. Gardner can be aggressive without being reckless. And that's what Draymond is talking about here.
In fairness to Draymond, he does give Gardner a little praise, but he also sends him a warning message that he also needs to tread carefully. For better or worse, Gardner is making noise across the league.