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via Imago

via Imago

Jalen Green hasn’t openly discussed becoming a father ever since Draya Michele confirmed her pregnancy. But nearly a week after showing off a “Draya” tattoo on his stomach, the 22-year-old addressed the motivation behind the upturn in his performances after a career-best effort against the Washington Wizards.

Green recorded a double-double and a new career-high of 42 points, 10 rebounds, and three assists as the Rockets won 137-114. The Rockets’ sideline reporter, Vannessa Richards, caught up to him right after the game ended and asked him, “Since All Star break you have been explosive. What is motivating you?” Green replied, “My family, my baby, so yeah,” in a first admission about him soon becoming a father.

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Green’s recent form has been impressive with the Shooting Guard averaging 28 points in his last five games. This included 37 points against the Wizards last week and 19 against the Sacramento Kings during which he became the youngest player in the franchise to reach the coveted 4,000 career point mark. Incidentally, his upturn in form has coincided with Michele’s pregnancy announcement.

Away from the court, Green and Michele have faced criticism for their relationship due to the age difference between the two.

39-year-old Draya Michele, a model, designer, and media personality is already a mother of two boys. Her eldest son, Kniko is 21 years old, just a year younger than Jalen Green. After she announced her pregnancy she had to deal with a lot of insensitive comments which even prompted the NFL legend Shannon Sharpe to leap to the couple’s defense.

During an episode of Nightcap, Sharpe addressed the trolling that Michele has been subjected to and said, “lot of women that are criticizing Draya got three, four babies from three, four different dudes. And a lot of dudes that judging, they got three or four babies from three or four different baby mommas.” He also added, “People are upset. What you upset about? This is two consenting adults!” Even though they face backlash due to the age gap in their relationship, Green and Michele are going on about their lives cutting off the outside chatter.

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Jalen Green and Draya Michele seem to turn a deaf ear to all the outside noise

The very first time that fans and social media started the guesswork was when Draya Michele arrived at a Rockets game sporting a baby bump. Of course, Jalen Green was dating her at the time and it naturally led to the conclusion that she was carrying the young Rockets star’s baby. And then came the maternity photoshoot along with Kyle Kuzma’s congratulatory message.

Read More: “I Got 3 Baby Mamas”: NFL Legend Silences American Women for Shaming Draya Michele & Jalen Green With Personal Confession

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Comments began flowing in from every corner of the world. Yet, Green did not address or engage in confirming or declining the rumors and speculations that were rapidly escalating. But he didn’t really need to. Recently, he shared a story on his Instagram wishing his sister a happy birthday and eager eyes instantly zeroed in on a tattoo on the California native’s torso. It read, “Draya”. That was all the confirmation everybody needed.

While biting remarks and insults still follow the soon-to-be parents, primarily directed at the mother, they seem to be content with their lives and with Green enjoying the form of his life, they have more than one reason to be happy.