Draymond Green doesn’t shy away from calling himself a “really, really, really nice guy” who gives a lot outside the game. But the moment the ball tips, he’s ready for battle. His words say it all: “I will fight you tooth and nail to the f–k–g bitter end.” That’s the duality of Draymond—a guy who’s as intense as he is generous.

His passion fueled the Warriors’ dynasty, driving them to new heights. But let’s be real—his fire hasn’t always been easy to manage. The 4x All-Star knew he had to make a change after his daughter, Hunter aka Hunni, was born. Picture this: a guy who thrives on intensity realizing he doesn’t want his kids growing up watching him lose control.

Those moments with Rudy Gobert and Jusuf Nurkic? He wasn’t proud of them.

Retirement didn’t feel like a distant thought anymore—it stared him right in the face. That’s when he sat down with NBA Commissioner Adam Silver. This wasn’t just some routine conversation; it was one of those life-changing talks that hit you hard. And that’s when he took therapy.

Steve Kerr didn’t hold back his praise for Draymond Green after his return. Kerr has noticed the change in Green. “He’s always been so passionate.”

“When he goes wrong, and his passion gets away from him, it turns into anger.” Kerr highlighted Green is now in a better place emotionally and personally. “He’s in a good place family-wise; he’s a great dad. He loves his kids. He recognized last year how much his actions impacted his young kids. He doesn’t want his kids seeing him in that light.” But what did the man himself have to say about it?

“Starting therapy was f–k–g hard,” Draymond admitted to ESPN. “Because I’m from Saginaw, Michigan. I’m from an all-Black neighborhood that you don’t go to therapy or you’re f–k–g weak. The last thing you do growing up on the north side of Saginaw is [something that is perceived as] weak.”

Green rewrote the mental playbook he had followed his entire life by starting therapy, not just for self-care. Watching someone with so much passion learn to peacefully rein it in? That’s impressive, and the Warriors boss made sure to give him the credit he deserved.

Draymond Green explains what he felt during the Jusuf Nurkic incident

The 4x champion’s 12-game suspension following his altercation with Nurkic on December 12, 2023, was a turning point. Actually, more than a turning point. Reflecting on that night, Dray admitted he wasn’t mentally or emotionally present. “On that night, I wasn’t even at the game,” Green said. “I didn’t want to be there. My body was there. My mind was not at all. My emotions were not at all.” He was only there because he had to be, feeling zero interest in the game or being on the floor.

This incident marked the sixth suspension of his career, following previous suspensions for incidents involving Rudy Gobert and Domantas Sabonis. After hitting his breaking point, the Warriors floor general credits therapy and a crucial conversation with NBA Commissioner Silver for helping him reconsider retirement and find a way to extend his career.

Growing up in a community where seeking help was often stigmatized, Green had to unlearn decades of deeply ingrained beliefs about strength and vulnerability for a man. Green’s growth isn’t just about basketball; it’s about finding a balance for himself and his family. His evolution is a reminder that even the toughest players need to grow off the court to keep succeeding on it.