Draymond Green's High School Coach Helped Him Unleash His Inner Bad Guy

Golden State Warriors star Draymond Green is notorious for his tough guy personality on the court. He doesn't take nonsense, and dishes out trash talk with ease. There's basically nowhere he isn't willing to go.

But he wasn't always like that. In fact, it took some encouragement from his high school coach to fully unleash the full Draymond back during his freshman year in college at Michigan State.

Unsatisfied with his playing time with the Spartans, Green was on the verge of transferring when high school coach Bruce Simmons convinced him otherwise.

Simmons encouraged Green to channel his emotions and frustration into his play, coxing him to go all-out with his teammates, coaches, and -- of course -- his opponents.

The strategy has clearly worked. Green is now an integral member of arguably the most dominant roster in NBA history, one that's nearing undisputed dynasty status. His role as defensive anchor and emotional talisman of the Warriors cannot be underestimated.

Green plays his own style of basketball infused with just the right kind of rage, and it's worked wonders for both himself and his team. Deepest thanks go to Simmons for helping the kid crack the code and buckle down.

He showed Green a way to channel his feelings and grow into prototypical small ball center an NBA team needs. If not for Simmons, it's possible that Green would have bailed on Michigan State and ended up somewhere detrimental to his development. Basketball fans ought to be pretty happy that never occurred.