ESPN Eyeing Draymond Green for Broadcasting Role

It’s no secret that Draymond Green would be an excellent hoops analyst. A cerebral talent on both ends of the floor and a career spent so far with the best point guard of all time means he knows the game inside and out, and he’s proven it with a number of guest appearances on Turner Sports’ flagship basketball show, Inside the NBA. Many believe Green will have a long career around the league after he retires from his playing days, as his blend of game IQ and personality lend extremely well to a TV and analysis role.

TNT won’t be the only ones in the hunt for Dray’s talent, however, as it was recently reported that ESPN has been interested in bringing him on for guest appearances alongside sports analysis superstar Stephen A. Smith after the recent departure of Max Kellerman from the company’s more multi-faceted Inside the NBA competitor, First Take. It’s been reported that Smith has shown an interest in forming a “Big 3” in broadcasting including himself, all-time great Magic Johnson, and Pardon the Interruption (another of ESPN’s more successful shows) co-host Michael Wilbon.

The formation of an analysis superteam like this makes it seem like ESPN is gearing up to try and directly compete with TNT on basketball-specific programming. It also makes sense why ESPN would be aiming to pick up Draymond for a few guest appearances on this rumored new show. Wilbon, Johnson, Smith, and on occasion Green would be a competitive force for viewer attention to TNT’s Inside crew of Shaquille O’Neal, Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith, and Ernie Johnson, who have been the premiere hoops personalities of the past few years.

A potential offer from ESPN for a few guest appearances leaves Draymond Green with a choice. As the biggest company in sports revamps its NBA programming in light of cutting the recently controversial host of The Jump, Rachel Nichols, it’s become clear they want to take more advantage of their contracts to air the NBA Finals and other significant matchups. If Green does want to get into broadcasting as a post-career opportunity, there are quite literally no two better offers than one from Turner and one from ESPN. In all likelihood, both of them are going to try and work in some language in Green’s contract that would bar him from appearing on the competitor’s program, although as he’s still an NBA player currently, it appears he may have the leverage in this situation.

It’s not just that Draymond would be an excellent analysis, but also that he’s interested in pursuing it that makes these programs want to offer him a deal. Making an appearance earlier this year on Kevin Durant’s “The ETCs” podcast, Green was highly critical of the current state of the media, saying that:

“Nowadays you can’t turn on the tv and learn about the game…because too many people have voices that don’t know s*** about the game” (via The ETCs)

Many fans agree that the showmanship and sensationalism that exists in sports media today is tiresome, which is why Twitter was so happy to see Draymond return to the desk on Inside during the playoffs this past year. He first made his mark in the NBA bubble, providing insight and even breaking down game film on players such as Nikola Jokic and teams like the Milwaukee Bucks. His postings on Twitter have become more and more analytical, showing that he does have a real talent and passion for something as simple as knowing the game. Many people label him a “lightning rod” for headlines and hot takes, both of which he has no shortage of, while lauding not just his knowledge, but his ability to put his money where his mouth is and critically think in a way a lot of analysts simply cannot do.

Few people know the game quite like Dray. His desire to join a network to do analysis afterward is apparent, and he crushes it. The question remains though, where should he go? His established chemistry with former players on Inside leaves that as likely the number one option for him, but it would still be highly entertaining to see him and Stephen A. duke it out on national television before Mike Breen calls an NBA Finals game(unless of course, Draymond is playing in said game). No matter where he ends up, both now in a temporary position and later on as a broadcaster, the program he chooses will be lucky to have him.