Warriors’ Core Player Reveals His Retirement Plans
Golden State Warriors’ versatile playmaker Draymond Green has earned a reputation as one of the most outspoken players in the NBA. For fans who’ve followed his career, this evolution feels natural. Intense playoff battles have ignited his competitive spirit, while being a key member of a dynasty team has bolstered his confidence. Friendships with megastars like LeBron James have further enhanced his popularity.
Despite his unpredictability on and off the court, Green’s latest revelation has taken the NBA world by surprise.
Draymond Green’s Retirement Timeline
Green recently shared on the Club 520 podcast that he is nearing the end of his NBA career. “I’m on the wrong side of my downslide, like I’m headed into Year 13,” Green said. “I probably got two more (years),” the four-time NBA champion revealed. “So, it’s important to start building for the next thing.”
For Green, the “next thing” appears to be his podcast, The Draymond Green Show. Produced by The Volume, his show is one of the most popular in the basketball world. Green’s extensive experience and basketball IQ allow him to offer unique insights, while his articulate and candid nature has contributed to his off-court success.
Broadcasting Aspirations and Changes
Green has also been a regular contributor as a basketball analyst and broadcaster on TNT’s Inside the NBA, a halftime show beloved by fans for its humor and insights. However, the NBA’s new media deal with Amazon Prime Video means that Inside the NBA will no longer be produced, affecting not only mainstays like Shaquille O’Neal, Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith, and Ernie Johnson but also part-time co-hosts like Green. This development is a setback for Green’s media aspirations.
Commentary on Other Players’ Podcasts
Never shy about sharing his opinions, Green had some pointed remarks for players struggling to build a podcast audience: “But for some of these guys they be in Year 3 still trying to figure it out with the podcast. Like I love that you’re doing it, I love that you found something that you want to do, but you in Year 3 and ain’t done s***, nobody really want to hear from you. You know what I’m saying.”
The podcasting boom during the COVID-19 lockdown has led to a saturation of the market, with 4.2 million active podcasts worldwide according to What’s The Big Data. As Green points out, the most successful hosts have established authority in their fields. Green’s success and impact with the Warriors give him significant credibility.
In contrast, players like Philadelphia 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey, who hosts Maxey on the Mic, have not garnered as much attention despite his rising profile as the 2024 Most Improved Player. Similarly, Atlanta Hawks’ Trae Young and Denver Nuggets’ Michael Porter Jr. have struggled to gain traction with their podcasts, From the Point and Curious Mike, respectively. Despite their on-court success, their podcasts have largely flown under the radar.
