Draymond Green, the celebrated Golden State Warriors forward, has expressed interest in becoming the NBA commissioner following his playing career. During a live episode of The Draymond Green Show podcast released last Friday, Green openly discussed his aspirations with sports media figure Skip Bayless. The current commissioner, Adam Silver, has held the position since 2014, and Green envisions himself taking on the league’s leadership in the future.
Green’s Vision for the NBA’s Growth
Green conveyed a clear passion for the league’s development and longevity. When Bayless suggested the commissioner role, Green responded,
“I always want to see this league grow. You know, in my time in this league, I’ve had my fair share of hiccups, but I hope — and I think — I’ve done more good than bad.”
Green’s track record as a player, combined with his dedication to the game, illustrates why he could be considered a compelling candidate for NBA commissioner.
A Career Marked by Leadership and Excellence
Throughout 14 seasons with the Warriors, Green has experienced the NBA at its highest level. A four-time NBA champion and a likely future inductee into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, Green has been a pivotal two-way player and one of basketball’s most passionate leaders. His on-court achievements and off-court leadership form a strong foundation for potential executive roles within the sport.
The Influence of Mentorship on Green’s Philosophy
Green credits his mentor Pete Myers, an assistant coach early in his career under Mark Jackson, for shaping his perspective on responsibility within the league. He shared with Bayless,
“Pete Myers — I’m sure you know Pete Myers, he was an assistant coach my first two years under Mark Jackson — he used to tell me a couple of things,”
and added,
“He would say, ‘Hey, Draymond, a couple of things I want you to always remember in this league — as long as you’re dealing with this league, you owe it to the game to leave it in a better place than it was when you found it.’”
Green further recalled Myers’ advice on supporting younger players, citing,
“You get paid in this league for the next young guy to get paid. It’s so often in this league [that] you hear guys complaining about, ‘Oh, man, this young guy is now making this,’ or you hear how an older guy tried to crush a younger guy, and it derails a young guy’s career. And [Myers] was always telling me, ‘You get paid for the next young guy in this league to come along to get paid.’”
Current Focus and Future Ambitions
At present, Green remains focused on contributing to the Warriors’ championship pursuits alongside teammate Steph Curry. However, he remains open about his plans after his playing days conclude, emphasizing his desire to have a lasting impact on the NBA. Green stated,
“I said all of that to say, I’ve always tried to live by [Myers’ mentorship]. And throughout my career, to make sure that — no matter what, no matter how people feel, no matter what people say — that when I go to bed at night, I can honestly, truly feel I can go to bed saying, ‘I’ve left this game in a better place than it was when I found it.’”
Potential Impact of Green Leading the NBA
Should Draymond Green pursue the commissioner role, his extensive on-court experience and leadership could influence the league’s direction meaningfully. As a figure who understands both player perspectives and the broader business side of basketball, Green represents a unique blend of insight and passion. His aspirations signal a continuation of his commitment to the NBA’s growth and the nurturing of future generations.
