After 15 incredible seasons in the NBA, Danny Green has officially announced his retirement from professional basketball. Known for his remarkable three-point shooting and solid defense, Green leaves behind a legacy of success, including winning championships with three different teams. In this article, we’ll take a detailed look at Green’s career, his accomplishments, and what lies ahead for him.
A Champion with Three Different Teams
Danny Green is one of only four players in NBA history to win championships with three different teams. His title wins came with:
- San Antonio Spurs in 2014
- Toronto Raptors in 2019
- Los Angeles Lakers in 2020
Green’s ability to adapt and excel on various teams made him a crucial role player throughout his career. He will be remembered as a player who contributed to winning wherever he went.
Announcement of Retirement
On his podcast, Danny Green announced his decision to retire from the NBA. At 37 years old, Green expressed peace with his decision and pride in his career.
“I’m officially moving on from the game of basketball, the NBA. It’s been a great run,” Green shared on his podcast. “To me, I’m very proud to be able to walk away from the game. I’m at peace with it.”
The veteran swingman spent his final moments in the NBA playing two games for the Philadelphia 76ers in the 2023-24 season before being waived.
— Danny Green (@DGreen_14) October 10, 2024
Green’s Early Career: From Underdog to Champion
Danny Green wasn’t always seen as a future NBA champion. After being drafted in the second round (46th overall) by the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2009, Green’s NBA future seemed uncertain. He played just one season with the Cavaliers before being waived. However, this setback was the start of a long journey to the top of the basketball world.
Success with the San Antonio Spurs
After 15 NBA seasons, Danny Green says he is retiring. Green, who’s announcing the retirement on his podcast Thursday, is one of four players in NBA history to win championships with three different teams (2014 with Spurs, 2019 with Raptors, 2020 with Lakers). pic.twitter.com/d2mIOG62lh
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) October 10, 2024
Green found his footing with the San Antonio Spurs, where he played the majority of his career. His time in San Antonio allowed him to develop into a reliable 3-point shooter and a strong defender. In the 2014 NBA Finals, Green played a key role in helping the Spurs defeat LeBron James and the Miami Heat, earning his first NBA championship.
- Career-high performance: Green averaged 11.7 points per game in the 2014-15 season, his best scoring season with the Spurs.
- Defensive accolades: He was named to the NBA All-Defensive Second Team in 2017.
Green’s consistent shooting and ability to step up in big moments made him an invaluable asset to the Spurs during his eight-season tenure with the team.
Championships with the Raptors and Lakers
Green’s championship journey didn’t stop with the Spurs. After leaving San Antonio, he teamed up with Kawhi Leonard once again, this time with the Toronto Raptors. In the 2018-19 season, Green helped the Raptors win their first-ever NBA title. He was particularly effective in Game 3 of the NBA Finals, where he hit six 3-pointers against the Golden State Warriors.
The following year, Green joined the Los Angeles Lakers, where he won his third championship in 2020, alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis. This made him one of the rare players to win titles with three different teams.
Career Statistics and Achievements
Danny Green’s career statistics are a testament to his consistency and importance as a role player:
- Points per game: 8.7
- Rebounds per game: 3.4
- Assists per game: 1.5
- Three-point shooting percentage: 40%
Throughout his career, Green played in 832 regular-season games and 165 playoff games. His ability to shoot from beyond the arc, along with his defensive prowess, made him an essential part of every team he played for.
Notable Achievements:
- 3-time NBA Champion (2014, 2019, 2020)
- NBA All-Defensive Second Team (2017)
- NCAA Champion with the University of North Carolina (2009)
Overcoming Injuries and Challenges
In the later stages of his career, Danny Green faced significant challenges, including a torn ACL and LCL during the 2022 NBA playoffs. Despite his efforts to return, he played only 11 games in the 2022-23 season and just two games in the 2023-24 season.
While the injury limited his playing time, Green’s perseverance and dedication to the game never wavered. Although his final seasons were not as productive as he might have hoped, his career achievements speak for themselves.
Life After Basketball: Broadcasting and Mentorship
Now that Danny Green has retired from the NBA, he is focusing on several new ventures:
- Broadcasting: Green has already begun a successful broadcasting career, including his popular podcast, where he announced his retirement.
- GreenLight Venture Fund: This initiative is dedicated to supporting innovative entrepreneurs and empowering new talent in various industries.
- Between the Lines Mentorship Program: Green has launched a mentorship program aimed at guiding young athletes through the challenges of life both on and off the court.
- The Throne Basketball Tournament: Powered by Green and the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA), this tournament provides a platform for young basketball talent.
Danny Green’s impact will continue to be felt beyond the basketball court as he embarks on these new projects.
Conclusion: A Legacy of Winning and Leadership
Danny Green’s 15-year NBA career is a story of perseverance, adaptability, and success. From being a second-round pick to becoming a three-time NBA champion, Green consistently proved his value on the court. His legacy will be remembered not just for his shooting and defense, but also for his leadership and ability to perform on the biggest stages.
As Green moves on to the next chapter of his life, he leaves behind a career that few players in NBA history can match. His championships with the Spurs, Raptors, and Lakers solidify his place as one of the most successful role players of his era.
Green’s fans, teammates, and coaches will undoubtedly celebrate his accomplishments for years to come.