The Warriors have been welcoming the children of their players for the past decade.
Steph Curry’s children are well-known. Zaza Pachulia’s sons have spent much time at the facility. Andre Iguodala was proud to have his son at the Warriors’ 2014-15 NBA title celebration.
Draymond Green’s son Draymond Jr. is now available to the world, aka DJ.
Draymond Jr. spent Monday night, just two days shy his fifth birthday, working alongside his dad at Chase Center as the Warriors defeated the Kings.
Eric Housen, the Warriors’ director for team operations, was Draymond Jr.’s assistant. DJ’s task was simple: Hand towels and t-shirts to the players at the bench.
Needless to say, DJ stole Monday night’s show and received rave reviews from Warriors members.
Steve Kerr, Warriors coach, stated that DJ was solid after his team’s 113-98 victory over the Kings. “His hustle on the sidelines was really impressive. He still has a lot of things to learn. He’s a young man, so we need to give him more reps.”
Gary Payton II, a legend in the NBA arenas, was impressed by Draymond Jr.
Payton II stated that “Little Dray, the DJ, was amazing, helping out in every way he can.” “He made some big plays in the second part, so shoutout DJ.”
The bigger picture is Draymond being able to spend quality-time with his son a few weeks before Christmas. However, he won’t be home for the Warriors’ road game against the Phoenix Suns.
Kerr believes in creating an inclusive environment for his family. Kerr cited his personal experience as the reason he allowed Draymond Jr. help Housen on Monday.
Kerr said, “I still recall when my son, Nick (now Nick) was a boy in Dallas one evening when I was playing for the Spurs and Pop invited me to do it.” “We flew together on the team plane and he became a ball boy. It was one of the highlights in my career. That was something I will always remember and that I want to do for our players.
“I can recall Zaza’s boys coming on an East Coast trip many years ago. It was amazing to see them grow up during those 10 days. They were afraid to speak on Day 1, and then they called out ‘First bus!’ on Day 7. This was at the end shootaround trying get the guys back to the hotel. It’s always fun to include family. It makes everything lighter and I think it was a great experience for guys.”
Damion Lee, who recently became father for the first-time, offered a unique perspective of what Draymond Jr. experienced Monday night.
“It’s huge, man. Family could fly on the plane back when the world was closed. Lee said that the only thing Steve and his front office want to see is what you do on the courts. It’s huge and exciting because DJ is only four right now. He turns five on Wednesday.
“When he turns 15, he won’t be able to comprehend the magnitude of what his dad did when they were at the peak of their run, being with Steph, being near Klay. [Thompson]. But he rebounding, rebounding, for Steph, for Klay and rebounding, for his dad, that’s only going. [push]Because he’s always around the best, he can be the best at what he does.
Kerr and the Warriors’ entire team seem to have a good grasp of every situation. In this instance, they know that it’s important to spend time with the kids. It’s hard to get through a season in the NBA. The Warriors just returned from a 10 day East Coast road trip, and they will be absent from their families on Christmas Day.
RELATED : Steph is honoured by Warriors fans with an ovation for her 3-point record
Draymond Jr. was caught dancing before the Warriors’ bench, as the Warriors were closing in on a win over the Kings.
It seems like a great way to end a perfect day. Draymond will be able to recall the moment Curry fist-bumped him during a game in the prime days of his career.
Although it won’t appear real, there will be video that proves it happened. Draymond Jr. got a great early birthday present.
