Draymond Green may be widely recognized as a four-time NBA champion and vocal leader for the Golden State Warriors, yet his most cherished role is being the father to his four children: Olive, Draymond Jr. (often affectionately referred to as D.J.), Cash, and Hunni. Balancing the rigorous demands of professional basketball with family life can be no simple feat, but for Green, fatherhood serves as both grounding and enlightening.
On Christmas Day, December 25, 2024, the Warriors and the Los Angeles Lakers took to the court for yet another thrilling encounter, marking yet another chapter of the legendary rivalry between Stephen Curry and LeBron James. While the game was intense and highly publicized, it was Draymond Green who managed to create his own headlines—again.
During the fourth quarter, Green was controversially called for a loose ball foul after performing what seemed to many observers a wrestling move on Lakers players Dalton Knecht and Rui Hachimura. He managed to seize both players’ arms before falling to the ground, dragging them down with him. It was the kind of incident reminiscent of WWE, one where laughter and head-shaking ensued. Despite the exhibition being clearly foul-worthy to any basketball fan, Green had plenty to say about the referees' decision following the whistle.
"It's astonishing. I mean, I've been slapped with technical fouls for less, but this? How am I still getting techs and common fouls at the same time?" he bellowed during his post-game commentary. Fans erupted with laughter online, expressing amusement at his antics; it has become something of a signature for Green to capture attention, even on days filled with stellar performances by his fellow athletes.
Yet amid the noise of the game, Green's role as a father figures prominently. He has cited spending quality time with his family and children as pivotal for self-reflection. "I spend a lot of time with my family and my kids. That s--- teaches you a lot about yourself," Green shared with Andscape back in June 2023. His children have become familiar faces at games and even at his press conferences, often stealing the show.
Each of Green’s children brings their unique charm. Olive, born November 6, 2014, from Green's wife Hazel Renee and former NBA player Jacob Pullen, shares a close bond with Green and is frequently showcased on his social media. Green has praised her artistic abilities and whimsical birthday celebrations, from enchanted themes inspired by "Alice in Wonderland" to princess-themed parties. On her tenth birthday this year, the family commemorated the milestone at Sloomoo Institute with Y2K themes.
D.J., Green’s second child and son born December 22, 2016, is already making waves at games and events. He’s often spotted assisting players with towels on the sidelines and exhibiting his basketball prowess. Green has noted, "It’s the most special thing in the world" to share the sport he adores with D.J. who dreams of one day becoming a coach. With aspirations of his own, D.J. has become increasingly confident, even stating, "Hey, everybody's here to see me!" whenever his father attempts to thwart his efforts at practicing basketball.
The family welcomed their third child, Cash, in October 2020. Hazel Renee often describes Cash as “sassy, wild and loving.” Her playful bond with D.J. often fills the room with laughter, shining through during live press conferences when she has been known to interject with delightful yet humorous quips.
Finally, just last December, Green and Hazel brought their youngest, Hunni, who quickly became the apple of the family's eye. Hunni’s first birthday this year was marked by spinning bee-themed crafts and face painting, and she is regularly seen cheering at her father's games.
Reflecting on the day's activities, after the Christmas game, Green delightedly carried little Hunni off the court, mingling with fellow players, filled with the kind of joy and triumph familiar to many fathers post-game. The importance of family enriches Green's life, something he does not take lightly.
"Being a father is a full-time job for which you receive no monetary compensation. Instead, you’re paid with unconditional love, joy, and happiness. It is the gift of keeps on giving. My biggest blessing!" he has remarked on social media, embedding gratitude for his family deeply within his professional life.
Draymond Green continues to walk the fine line between basketball and parenting with finesse, reflecting on and celebrating every moment he shares with his growing family, even as he brings his own brand of charisma and controversy to the court.
