SAN FRANCISCO — As Draymond Green reflects on the future beyond his NBA playing career, he is exploring a new avenue that he hadn’t previously considered: coaching.
Green, who will celebrate his 36th birthday on March 4 and is currently navigating his 14th season in the league, has long been speculated to transition into television. His engaging personality and existing work with TNT Sports, alongside hosting “The Draymond Green Show,” have made such a path likely in the eyes of many. However, he is now contemplating a potential shift towards coaching as his time on the court comes to a close.
“As I get closer to the end, I think a little bit more about it and I’m definitely closer than I was a couple years ago,” Green shared following the Golden State Warriors’ 119-97 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers. He admitted that he would have dismissed the idea outright a couple of years ago. “But as you get closer to the end, you start to think, ‘Oh man, what is it that I really want to do?’ And I don’t know that it will — it’s not an absolute no anymore for me.”
In a recent podcast discussion, Green elaborated on how fulfilling it is to share his defensive expertise with younger teammates. He expressed concern over the knowledge gained through years of professional play, wondering where it goes once he retires and emphasizing the importance of passing that wisdom on to ensure the game’s evolution continues.
“The older you get, you get less valuable. But the older you get the more knowledge and information you have,” Green remarked, reflecting on his journey in basketball and the crucial role of mentorship in the sport. He underscored his commitment to helping the next generation: “You owe it to the game to leave it in a better place than it was when you found it.”
His teammates have recognized his potential in this domain. Warriors player Jimmy Butler confidently stated, “I think Draymond would be great as a coach,” noting Green’s exceptional basketball IQ and dedication to the collective growth of his peers.
Whether Green ultimately pursues coaching remains uncertain, with speculation about whether he might do so in the NBA or at Michigan State, his alma mater. He maintains a strong connection with Spartans coach Tom Izzo and retains a notable legacy with a retired jersey at the school. When asked about his preference for coaching at either level, he playfully noted, “Michigan State or Golden State, something with a State.”
While Green insists he is not ready to hang up his sneakers just yet, his openness to the possibility of coaching reveals a thoughtful evolution in his perspective. As he continues to contribute to the Warriors’ quest for success, the prospect of him nurturing future talent may add a compelling chapter to his basketball story.