Draymond Green Reflects on His Journey From Saginaw to NBA Stardom

SAGINAW, Mich. — Draymond Green‘s remarkable odyssey from a determined young boy in Saginaw to an NBA star is a tale of tenacity and resilience. Known for his outspoken nature on and off the court, Green reflects on his life, which has been shaped by his roots in this tough Michigan town.

Green, who turns 35 on March 4, recounts an anecdote from his childhood that illustrates his spirited nature. At just four years old, he dared to venture outside the boundaries set for him. He hopped on a bike, rode to a corner store, and confidently demanded snacks without cash, proclaiming, “You don’t know who I am? I’m Draymond Green!” This self-assuredness has been a constant in his life.

“People have tried to stop me from being that way ever since I can remember,” Green told Bay Area News Group. “Change who I am? I don’t even know how I would do it. It’s just how I’ve always been.”

His vibrant personality is enhanced by his competitive spirit, cultivated in Saginaw, where he faced challenges that molded him into a tough player. He enjoyed a close-knit family environment, characterized by a mother, Mary Babers, who instilled strong values and an unmatched work ethic.

“I have a heart — that’s Saginaw,” Green explained. “Sometimes [my heart] comes out not in the best way, but you’ve got to take the good with the bad.”

The streets of Saginaw have significantly influenced Green’s journey. With a population of around 40,000, Saginaw possesses a socio-economic landscape strained by deindustrialization and crime, evident in the city’s high violent crime rate of roughly 33.5%. Mary Babers sought to prepare her children for the harsh realities of life in Saginaw.

“You could not be a marshmallow in Saginaw,” Babers remarked, affirming the tough love and hard lessons she imparted to Green.

Her strict parenting approaches included tough consequences for wrongdoings. Following an incident in which Draymond was caught cheating at school, she restricted him from participating in sports, forcing him to work during the summer.

“Every now and then, she’d tell me, ‘Oh, I’m proud,’” Green reminisced. “But nothing was ever good enough.”

Green’s quest for basketball excellence began early. He was often found honing his skills on makeshift courts, sometimes against older opponents. Driven and focused, he established a singular goal: to make it to the NBA.

“In seventh grade, I wrote a paper saying I wanted to make the NBA. My teacher asked for something more realistic, but I told her I had no Plan B,” he said.

Despite being overlooked by recruitment sites, Green’s talent was undeniable. He became an instrumental player at Michigan State and later for the Golden State Warriors. The Warriors drafted him in the second round in 2012, recognizing the potential that may have been overlooked by others.

“Nobody really thought he was going to make it,” said Daniel West, Green’s childhood friend and teammate. “He really was an underdog.”

However, the path hasn’t been devoid of obstacles. Catching flak for his fiery temperament, Green has often reflected on moments of conflict within the league, including a pivotal incident in a practice that tarnished his connection with teammate Jordan Poole.

“It hurt me a lot, because I didn’t expect that,” said Green, discussing the ramifications of his actions on Poole and the Warriors’ dynamic. “I think, at the end of the day, I care too much about others, and I want to look after them.”

As the Warriors approach the final stretch of the season, Green’s outspoken nature continues to be a crucial aspect of his character. He recently made headlines during the All-Star Weekend, outlining his championship aspirations for the Warriors.

“I think we’re going to win the championship. What I mean to say is that we are going to win the championship,” Green declared confidently, showcasing his commitment to the team and its playoff ambitions.

For Green, his journey from the streets of Saginaw to the bright lights of the NBA encapsulates the essence of resilience. His multifaceted talents and leadership qualities remain integral to the Warriors’ identity as they aim for another title.

In the end, the blend of determination and loyalty rooted in his hometown has shaped not just his career, but who he is at his core.