Invited by Stephen A. Smith in his podcast Know Mercy, Draymond Green spoke about the number of seasons he still wants to play in the Big League. And the interested party does not see himself pushing up to forty brooms.
The Swiss army knife of the Warriors did not go there four ways to evoke the end of his adventure on the floors. At almost 33 years old, Green, who is currently playing his eleventh season in the NBA, knows what he wants to be, and especially what he does not want to be, during his last years as a professional basketball player. It is out of the question for him to play babysitters at a late age as Udonis Haslem can do in Miami. If we take this statement literally, Jordan Poole’s best friend would therefore stop in 2027, at 37 years old.
“It’s becoming more and more obvious to me that 15 (NBA seasons, editor’s note) is the correct number. […] I can’t be one of those guys who’s around at the end of their career, in ‘I’m just here to get my check’ mode, I can’t be that guy. Because [toutes les provocations] that I have done will come back to me. I can’t be one of those guys who’s just like, ‘always there’. And I feel, I know, I have four good years to go.” – Draymond Green
What to do, therefore, with the four years that remain to him? Let’s take a look at Raymond Vert’s contractual situation. The four-time All-Star, paid $25.8 million this season, has a player option at 27.6 potatoes in 2023-24, which he could decline to become a free agent. In the latter case, his hyper-versatile profile could interest more than one team aiming for the ring. It is also rumored that the Lakers have already looked into his case. The former DPOY would not be insensitive to this option which would allow him, on paper, to remain competitive… just like that of remaining in the Bay.
Another interesting aspect of Dray’s statement is the desire not to fall into the category of “expired products”. We remember his verbal battle with a Paul Pierce on the verge of retirement a few years ago, and we can understand that he does not want to find himself in the same position. We are still talking about a player renowned for his toughness and his provocations, the kind of style of play likely to attract haters waiting for the slightest moment of weakness to fall on him.
Draymond Green should therefore no longer be on the NBA courts by the quarantine. We advise you to take advantage (or not) of his last years of intensive defense and trashtalking in the League. Anyway, it suits him. Accomplishments and records at forty banks and more, it was for another number 23 that.
.@Money23Green talks about his future in basketball in the latest episode. Watch now to see his full response. pic.twitter.com/CJrgTpaHgp
— Know Mercy Podcast (@KnowMercyPod) January 19, 2023
Source texte : Bleacher Report / Know Mercy
