Dallas, Texas-- The guy from North Carolina that is known for shooting those 3's from deep, or in more recent memory the guy that became a household name in the NBA Finals last year because of his 3 point shooting didn't always have it so easy. Danny Green a product of the D-league and a player that was cut, is the same humble player that we see today on a championship contending team. Green, who describes himself on the court as aggressive and at times a little cocky, but off the court a "chill-laid back person." They say to really get to know someone, talk to the person that's closest to that person and you can learn alot. I did just that. I spoke with Devonte Green, Danny's little brother. He (Devonte) told me the same, that Danny is a "really cool dude" and is "real laid back." So I got the chance to catch up with Danny and talk with him about his career and how did he remain confident after going through the motions of his career, that at one point landed him back in Long Island, wondering if his dream was deferred or has ended.
Green sitting down after a practice in Dallas as they are getting ready to play vs Dallas on April 10th, a couple of Thursdays ago, just saw me in Minneapolis when we were talking about his little brother Vonte and his cousin Gerald Green who plays for the Phoenix Suns {That story will post later on today} I walk over to Green as he shakes my hand and ask how am I doing and did I have a good trip down to Dallas from Minnesota. After chatting for a little while, I told him I wanted to talk more about him and the adversity that he faced and that we did. He said if he had to chose one word to describe his basketball career he said that word would be "persistence" -"You have to have it to be successful you can't give up on the first sign of struggle or when things aren't going your way and you'll continue to work for what you want." "Shoot for the stars and land on the moon, luckily for me, I got the stars." said Green. He went on to talk about the great support system that he had during the darkest times of his career which consisted of his close family and friends that kept him encouraged and didn't allow him to wallow in self pity or despair. He also mentioned that doing his craft everyday builds confidence and that's what he did, he worked on certain parts of his game.
Green also spoke about newcomers coming into the league, he stated the best advice for anyone new coming into the NBA is "be a sponge, learn as much as you possibly can at the same time be as professional as you can be, it's not just about how well you play on the court but how well you play off the court." Green went on to say that he stays out of trouble because of the organization he plays for teaches that. Of course, as you watch the interview you'll notice that Austin Daye, Green's teammate, said that Green stays out of trouble because he hangs out with him.
So much can be learned from Green, who has had his shares of highs and lows. Green stayed true to himself and continue to work on his craft and didn't let his current situation (being cut) define who he is. In life in general, we can apply the principles that Green has taught us. There will be times that things may go differently than what you expected ,but keep trying and never giving up is the story of Danny Green's life. He could have easily gave up on basketball and his dream but he didn't do that. Most importantly, he had a younger brother watching his every move. That within itself would make anyone strive to be the best that they can be. Now, fast forwarding to the present, Danny is doing well in San Antonio and the Spurs are in the playoffs to get back in the finals and win what they felt like they should have won last year and his little brother now making headlines of his own in high school getting ready for his junior year is watching on. Imagine that, Devonte watching Danny achieve his dreams and Devonte following in his steps.
Green sitting down after a practice in Dallas as they are getting ready to play vs Dallas on April 10th, a couple of Thursdays ago, just saw me in Minneapolis when we were talking about his little brother Vonte and his cousin Gerald Green who plays for the Phoenix Suns {That story will post later on today} I walk over to Green as he shakes my hand and ask how am I doing and did I have a good trip down to Dallas from Minnesota. After chatting for a little while, I told him I wanted to talk more about him and the adversity that he faced and that we did. He said if he had to chose one word to describe his basketball career he said that word would be "persistence" -"You have to have it to be successful you can't give up on the first sign of struggle or when things aren't going your way and you'll continue to work for what you want." "Shoot for the stars and land on the moon, luckily for me, I got the stars." said Green. He went on to talk about the great support system that he had during the darkest times of his career which consisted of his close family and friends that kept him encouraged and didn't allow him to wallow in self pity or despair. He also mentioned that doing his craft everyday builds confidence and that's what he did, he worked on certain parts of his game.
Green also spoke about newcomers coming into the league, he stated the best advice for anyone new coming into the NBA is "be a sponge, learn as much as you possibly can at the same time be as professional as you can be, it's not just about how well you play on the court but how well you play off the court." Green went on to say that he stays out of trouble because of the organization he plays for teaches that. Of course, as you watch the interview you'll notice that Austin Daye, Green's teammate, said that Green stays out of trouble because he hangs out with him.
So much can be learned from Green, who has had his shares of highs and lows. Green stayed true to himself and continue to work on his craft and didn't let his current situation (being cut) define who he is. In life in general, we can apply the principles that Green has taught us. There will be times that things may go differently than what you expected ,but keep trying and never giving up is the story of Danny Green's life. He could have easily gave up on basketball and his dream but he didn't do that. Most importantly, he had a younger brother watching his every move. That within itself would make anyone strive to be the best that they can be. Now, fast forwarding to the present, Danny is doing well in San Antonio and the Spurs are in the playoffs to get back in the finals and win what they felt like they should have won last year and his little brother now making headlines of his own in high school getting ready for his junior year is watching on. Imagine that, Devonte watching Danny achieve his dreams and Devonte following in his steps.