Danny Green, the shooting guard who helped North Carolina win an NCAA championship before helping three separate NBA teams win crowns, declared his retirement from the game on Thursday.
As a starter for all three teams, Green won NBA titles with the San Antonio Spurs in 2014, the Toronto Raptors in 2019, and the Los Angeles Lakers in 2020. He scored 8.7 points per game on average over his 15 seasons in the league.
In a video on his YouTube channel, Green shared, "I'm officially moving on from the game of basketball and the NBA. It's been a great run, and I'm proud to walk away feeling at peace. Initially, I struggled with it, but turning 37 made me realize my body was reacting differently."
With an incredible record of 1,577 three-pointers made, which places him 43rd in NBA history, Green retires. Only 12 players have reached that mark while continuing to shoot at least 40% from beyond the arc. He is one of them. With 315 three-pointers in the playoffs, he also ranks eighth in that category.
Reflecting on his decision, Green noted, "My body was signaling to me; I experienced various calf strains. As I got older, teams were less inclined to call. Unfortunately, my services weren't in demand like they once were. It's been an incredible journey."
It's interesting to note that Green's route to success was a little unusual. Along with Trevor Ariza, Kyle Korver, and Rashard Lewis, he is one of just four players who have made over 1,500 three-pointers without being selected in the first round of the NBA Draft. After just one season, he was dismissed by Cleveland, who had selected him 46th overall in the 2009 draft.
Following his tenure with the Cavaliers, Green joined the Spurs, where he became a starter for seven seasons, helping seal the 2014 title. Later, as part of the Kawhi Leonard trade, he was sent to Toronto, where he was instrumental in their 2019 championship drive. In 2020, he once again started for the Lakers during their pandemic-season victory.
"People often ask how I became a winner and a leader," said Green, underscoring the significance of mentoring in his growth as a player. It all boils down to the individuals who came before me and my coaches, who set me up for success. I'm just a regular kid with the necessary resources and hard work.
In May 2022, Green sustained tears to his ACL and LCL during a playoff game. Over the next two seasons, he participated in just 17 more games. As he looked ahead, he said, "I'm excited about the next chapter and journey," expressing excitement for upcoming media chances.