Draymond Green Inks Deal with Turner Sports
While his NBA career is still far from over given his contract, Draymond Green inked a one-of-a-kind, multi-year deal this morning with Turner Sports to become a contributor on their award-winning show, Inside the NBA. The segment, hosted by Ernie Johnson alongside Shaquille O’neal, Charles Barkley, and Kenny Smith, has gained notoriety as one of the best - if not the best - sports shows on air today.
Inside is Turner Sports’ flagship program, sure, but it’s also a segment that Green has appeared on various times throughout his career, creating some pretty incredible moments either in terms of just seeing how bright Dray is, and showing his sense of humor and personable nature in a light few often get to see him.
While people have mixed feelings about Green’s on-court actions and attitude, it’s widely-unanimous that he’s an excellent analyst. Regardless of what people think, the guy flat-out knows basketball. He’s had several appearances on the show, and already has great chemistry with each of the regulars.
While WNBA players like Chine Ogwumike and Candace Parker have both made regular appearances on ESPN and TNT respectively, Draymond’s deal is different because of the circumstances surrounding the NBPA and their collective bargaining agreement with the league. It’s also unique because generally these jobs are taken on as a life after playing pro: Green just decided to take it on a little earlier.
While this is a great milestone for Draymond, there is some slight concern which could be noted here. Recent struggles with a back injury that appears to be worse than thought before may be indicative of a larger issue. While this could just be Draymond ensuring that he’s got the bag after he stops competing for championships in a few years (if he ever stops competing for champions, of course), the injury concerns of a 6’7 forward playing against centers for several minutes a game are certainly to be considered.
Green remains out as the All-Star break approaches. There is no timetable just yet for his return given the nature of his injury, an issue with a disc in his back which affects the movement in his lower body. The Warriors have not opted to bring on a center or larger forward to give the position some relief while Green and James Wiseman make their returns from injury.
(Photo credit: Inside the NBA / Turner Sports)