The Golden State Warriors’ season is becoming increasingly complicated. The loss to the Utah Jazz dropped the team to 32-32, with four defeats in their last five games. Numbers that fuel the growing sense that the legendary Warriors dynasty built in San Francisco may slowly be reaching its end.

In the middle of this difficult stretch, Draymond Green decided to remind everyone of the role he played in building that winning era. Appearing on Fred VanVleet’s podcast, Green used an unusual but effective comparison:

I think I’m like Eddie Q for Apple, not Steve Jobs. Steph Curry is Steve Jobs, without a doubt. No one believes more than I do that Steph is the guy on this team. But Steve Jobs knew how important Eddie Q was to Apple

Draymond Green

The message is clear: the superstar is Stephen Curry, but the Warriors dynasty would not have existed without the less visible work of those who made the system possible. Green then extended the comparison to NBA history:

Michael Jordan had Scottie Pippen and Dennis Rodman. I’ll never be Steve Jobs or Mark Zuckerberg: that’s Steph. But I can proudly say that thing doesn’t get built without me. My game fit with Steph’s, with Klay’s, and with KD’s when he was here. That’s how we built everything

Draymond Green

According to the veteran, his role has always been that of the glue between different talents. Words that also sound like a reminder to fans, especially after trade rumors that had linked him to potential deals before the deadline.

Green does not claim the role of the main star, but he strongly defends his contribution.

I’ve won my entire life. I did my part in building these wins. And I’ll always be grateful for this run… but don’t get it twisted: I did a lot to make it possible

Draymond Green

At a time when the Warriors dynasty appears to be wavering, the message from their emotional leader is clear: that story cannot be told without him.