In the NBA, the All-Star selection is like ‘wearing your heart on your sleeve’ moment, and players chase to have this honor. In context, the debut gap between Anthony Edwards and Victor Wembanyama is 3 years. While the former is a three-time All-Star, Wemby took his first badge earlier in February this year. But then, good news and good performance don’t seem to entice the Basketball Gods. Within days, the heartbreaking update on the French star’s season-ending injury surfaced. Thus leaving the crowd with the same question as always: Who is the face of the league after LeBron James and Stephen Curry?

If we were to believe in Antman’s words from the All-Star Weekend, then Wemby is the rightful face of the league. As the 23-year-old guard said: “They have Wemby for that.” But that’s just Edwards being modest enough to claim his throne. However, for ESPN reporter Ramona Shelbourne, the Minnesota Timberwolves star’s change in tone felt new. It didn’t feel very Anthony Edwards-like.

Meanwhile, there might be a secret recipe that not just Ant but Victor Wembanyama too could learn from. And who but TNT part-timer, Draymond Green, would know it better? After 13 seasons with Stephen Curry, the 34-year-old Warriors veteran surely knows the ‘secret sauce.’

Draymond Green imparts words of wisdom for Anthony Edwards’ Victor Wembanyama claims

Antman says he’s capable of being that guy, yet he doesn’t want to be that guy. He strongly believes and claims the same that the San Antonio Spurs star is more capable of the role. So, what does it take to become the face of the league? “What makes someone the face of the league?” Baron Davis asked the Golden State Warriors veteran on The Draymond Green Show.

In his no-nonsense manner, Dray replied: “Number one, you got the game. You have to have the game first and foremost. You can be as clean-cut as you want, the biggest steward of the game you want to be. If you don’t get the game to match you, you cannot be the face of the NBA.” Simply put, Anthony Edwards, Victor Wembanyama, or any of the youngsters out there need to adapt to the league. But that’s not all; they need to get the league to adapt to themselves. Look how Steph Curry and James Sr. molded the game to their rhythms over the years! The stars must be generational and elite to keep up with the heat of the game and still be the face of it.

“Number two, you must represent the league in a positive manner, in a positive light,” Draymond Green emphasized. “When you look at the logo, uh, that is what matters most. This is a multi-billion dollar corporation, and how you represent that logo on and off the basketball court matters.” According to the 34-year-old icon, the NBA, and its logo, the brand is bigger than the stars. Rightly so, players come and go, but the NBA stays. So, Edwards and Wemby must work to uphold a positive image on and off the court.

But most importantly, winning those rings will make them the face of the league. Draymond, having won 4 titles, knows and understands the importance they hold in the life of a hoopster. Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and Kevin Durant earn their place as the biggest names and greatest faces of the league. They have one thing in common: rings. “You cannot be the face of the NBA if you don’t win because the NBA cannot market you in the biggest moments if you don’t win or have never been a winner. And so, you must win. That must happen for you to be the face of the NBA.”

Plenty of guys get the hype and the marketing push. But if they don’t win, it all goes to “h—“—“we can’t market you” or “show you on the biggest stage,” says Draymond Green. And that’s not how you become the face of the NBA. So, when Anthony Edwards says, “I am capable of being that guy but I don’t want to be,” it makes sense. He’s got the talent. No doubt. But to be that guy? He needs to level up—on the court and off. Better interviews. Sharper image. And until then, well, he’s just keeping it real.

While speaking about Antman and Wemby, Draymond Green had to take a moment to keep the latter in his prayers. As you know, a blood clotting condition has ruled the 21-year-old Victor Wembanyama out for the rest of the ongoing season. Besides, some new updates have dropped in about the alien’s well-being.

Draymond is keeping Wemby in his prayers amidst concerning health updates

Draymond Green commended Victor Wembanyama‘s trainer and medical experts for detecting the DVT he’s dealing with. “You’re talking about blood clotting, that’s life-threatening. Another player that has gone through this, is Chris Bosh. That ended Chris Bosh’s career at 32. Ausar Thompson- this ended his rookie season early. He just got back maybe a month and a half, two months ago from that. And also, some form of it LaMarcus Aldridge dealt with towards the end of his career,” the 34-year-old star recalled.

“Really sending my love and well wishes to Vic… We all hope and believe and think that he’s going to make a full recovery,” Green chipped in. Meanwhile, Victor Wembanyama was recently seen going around Ironside Antique Mall in San Antonio. Spurs insider Dusty Garza reported this news on Sunday and informed that the 21-year-old 7’4″ star is allowed some gentle movements. Like, range-of-motion exercises or light stretching may be allowed. Though a good sign, strenuous arm movements, jumping, or rapid changes in motion could be dangerous.

So, that’s good news for the San Antonio Spurs fans- to see Wemby around. But well, this surely doesn’t mean he is fit to make a comeback any time soon. Meanwhile, Draymond Green has laid down the ground rules, or rather the secrets behind becoming the face of the NBA for Anthony Edwards and Wembanyama. Now, only time will tell who among them will rise to the occasion and become the next big name of the league. What do you think?