Draymond Green, known for his passionate and intense play, is also a dedicated mentor to younger players on the Golden State Warriors, even those drafted to potentially replace him. This commitment to mentorship is a testament to his character and understanding of the team’s long-term vision.
Embracing Mentorship Amid Competition
In a conversation with his mentee, Kevon Looney, on the “Draymond Green Show,” Green reflected on his role as a mentor despite the Warriors’ attempts to draft his replacements over the years:
- “Since [Looney] arrived in San Francisco — Oakland, actually — with the Golden State Warriors, he arrived to take my spot,” Green told Looney. He listed several players drafted to take his place, including Jordan Bell, Eric Paschall, and Alen Smailagić.
- Despite this, Green never felt resentment. “It was never like a, ‘Ah, that’s bulls–t,’ or ‘F–k that, I ain’t going to teach this man.’ It was never that for me,” he said.
Learning from His Mentors
Green’s approach to mentorship is deeply rooted in his own experiences. He recalled how David Lee, whom Green replaced in the Warriors’ lineup, continued to teach and support him:
- “When David Lee was hurt, I took over the spot and he never stopped teaching me,” Green remembered. “I love David Lee to death. [He] always will have my love and respect.”
Similarly, during his college years at Michigan State, Green learned the value of mentorship from Travis Walton:
- “At Michigan State, competition was going on. [Travis Walton] taught us, ‘I’m in competition with Kalin Lucas because he’s coming in to take my spot. But that’s my little brother. And I’m going to teach him everything I know.’”
Paying It Forward
Green has embraced his role as a mentor by imparting his knowledge to his younger teammates, ensuring they understand the intricacies of the game:
- “I’ve tried to teach and instil everything I know into this man [Looney] right here because I felt that was my duty,” Green added.
While acknowledging the complex situation with former Warriors guard Jordan Poole, Green emphasized that he initially took Poole under his wing as well.
The Ongoing Search for a Successor
The Warriors have yet to find a successful replacement for Green in previous drafts, but Green remains unfazed and committed to helping his teammates regardless:
- “I get it, by the way,” Green said about the Warriors’ draft strategies. “It was never like, ‘Ah, that’s bulls–t,’ or ‘F–k that, I ain’t going to teach this man.’ It was never that for me.”
At 34, Green continues to be a crucial part of the Warriors, both on and off the court, demonstrating that true leadership involves nurturing the next generation even when they are seen as competition. This approach has not only contributed to the team’s success but also fostered a culture of growth and learning within the organization.
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