Jayson Tatum, the Boston Celtics star and newly crowned NBA champion, recently made headlines with his thoughts on which NBA player could successfully transition to professional wrestling. Appearing on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon,” Jayson Tatum was asked to choose one player who could thrive as a WWE wrestler. Without hesitation, Tatum named his friend and Golden State Warriors forward, Draymond Green.
“I love him to death, Draymond Green,” Jayson Tatum responded, as Fallon grinned at the pick.
Jimmy Fallon asks Jayson Tatum which NBA player would have a successful second career as a WWE wrestler:
Jayson Tatum: “I love him to death, Draymond Green” 😂😂
(via @FallonTonight)
pic.twitter.com/GU1F6l5afd— TheWarriorsTalk (@TheWarriorsTalk) September 12, 2024
Tatum’s choice of Green makes sense to those familiar with the NBA and Green’s notorious style of play. Known for his physicality, aggression, and sometimes questionable tactics, Draymond Green has carved out a reputation as one of the league’s most polarizing figures. His scrappy play and willingness to toe the line between toughness and “dirty” play have made him the kind of player who fans either love or love to hate. Whether it’s his frequent technical fouls, jawing with opponents, or even his infamous suspension during the 2016 NBA Finals, Green has proven that he’s built for physical confrontation—something that WWE superstars are known for.
Standing at 6-foot-6 and weighing around 230 pounds, Green possesses the size to be a dominant force in the wrestling ring. His in-game antics, paired with his towering presence, seem tailor-made for the spectacle and bravado of WWE.
While Tatum’s comment was likely made in good fun, it sparked plenty of debate among fans and analysts. Many believe that Green’s controversial career in the NBA would make him an ideal fit for the dramatic world of professional wrestling. His reputation for dirty plays—like his kicks to the groin of opponents or his near-constant chirping on the court—could translate into a classic WWE heel persona, a villain fans love to jeer.
This is not the first time Green’s name has come up in conversations about toughness. He is often seen as one of the NBA’s last remaining “enforcers”—a role that was more common in the 1990s, when the league was known for hard-nosed, physical play. The NBA has since evolved into a more finesse-driven, perimeter-oriented game, but Green’s old-school style remains a throwback to a grittier era.
For Jayson Tatum, it’s clear that he admires Green’s toughness, even as the two have battled each other on the court. Their friendship was forged during the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, where they won gold together as part of Team USA. Despite competing against each other in the 2022 NBA Finals, where Green’s Warriors bested Tatum’s Celtics, the two remain close. Tatum was even invited to Green’s wedding in August 2022, a sign of the mutual respect they share despite their fierce on-court rivalry.
The notion of NBA players transitioning to WWE is not entirely far-fetched. Many NBA athletes have flirted with professional wrestling, given their physical attributes and larger-than-life personalities. Shaquille O’Neal has made appearances in WWE, and Dennis Rodman famously wrestled for WCW during his NBA career. Could Draymond Green be the next to follow in their footsteps?
For his part, Green has yet to publicly respond to Tatum’s comments, but the idea of him joining WWE has sparked a wave of online discussions. Fans of both the NBA and WWE have been weighing in on the possibility, with many agreeing that Green’s brash, confrontational style is a perfect fit for the wrestling world. After all, Green has never shied away from conflict, whether it’s with officials, opponents, or even his own teammates.
Tatum’s comments on “The Tonight Show” come as he basks in the glory of his own success. The Celtics forward finally led his team to an NBA championship this year, a long-awaited achievement after falling short in the 2022 Finals against Green’s Warriors. The Celtics’ triumph this year was particularly sweet for Tatum, who has faced his fair share of criticism for not delivering in the clutch during previous postseason runs. This time around, Tatum delivered when it mattered most, even if he struggled early in the Finals.
His journey from heartbreak to redemption has been one of the most compelling storylines of the NBA season. Not only did Tatum secure his first championship ring, but he also added a second Olympic gold medal to his collection after competing for Team USA in the Paris Olympics. However, his role in the Olympic Games was somewhat controversial, with some critics questioning his limited playing time under head coach Steve Kerr—a familiar face, as Kerr coaches Green in Golden State.
But Tatum didn’t stop there. He also graced the cover of *NBA 2K25* and even authored a children’s book inspired by his relationship with his young son, Deuce. In a year full of accolades, Tatum is clearly enjoying his moment in the spotlight, and his lighthearted appearance on Fallon’s show highlighted his rising status as both a basketball icon and a cultural figure.
While Tatum’s comments about Green and WWE were undoubtedly made in a playful spirit, there’s an underlying truth to his statement. Green’s combination of size, toughness, and personality would make him an instant star in professional wrestling. His propensity for stirring controversy and his “love him or hate him” persona are exactly what WWE thrives on. In an era where the NBA is often criticized for becoming too soft, Green represents a throwback to a rougher, more physical brand of basketball—a quality that would translate perfectly into the scripted chaos of WWE.
Would Green actually make the jump? It’s unlikely, given his current role with the Warriors and the NBA. But if he ever wanted to pursue a post-basketball career that keeps him in the spotlight, Tatum might be onto something. For now, we’ll just have to imagine what a Draymond Green WWE debut would look like—and it would be one for the ages.
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