:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/65813530/1184954401.jpg.0.jpg)
On Tuesday, December 3, Golden State Warriors All-Star Draymond Green will have his jersey retired by Michigan State University. It’s an enormous honor for Green, who played a full four years in East Lansing from 2008 through 2012, and who speaks glowingly about the school.
Green won’t be alone. Even though the ceremony is squeezed between the Warriors Monday night game in Atlanta, and their Wednesday night game in Charlotte, a few members of the Warriors will be joining the Defensive Player of the Year for the special night.
Most notably, coach Steve Kerr will be making the trip to Michigan.
Steve Kerr on why he's going to Michigan State tomorrow for Draymond Green's jersey retirement: pic.twitter.com/835V6c1fk0
— Connor Letourneau (@Con_Chron) December 2, 2019
“One of the things I love about Draymond is I know how much Michigan State means to him,” Kerr told reporters, as transcribed by the San Francisco Chronicle’s Connor Letourneau. “His loyalty to his school is a big part of who he is and a big part of what he’s meant to the Warriors. This is a league where routinely you get guys after they spent four months on a college campus and then they’re gone. Draymond spent four years playing for Tom Izzo and gave millions of dollars to the school. He left his heart and soul on that court wearing the green and white. So, for me, it’s a great example of what he’s done for us. We’re probably going to retire his jersey in San Francisco someday. I love the fact that he’s so loyal to his school. That’s his foundation, that’s his rock. We’ve been the beneficiary of everything Coach Izzo and the school did for Draymond. It’ll be nice for me to be there. I know Bob (Myers) and Joe (Lacob) feel the same way.”
Letourneau also reported that Klay Thompson is hoping to make the trip as well, even though he’s not currently with the team. Steph Curry - who it’s safe to say would have gone with Green if he were healthy - is unable to attend, as he cannot fly until his next wrist surgery later this month.
On Monday night’s broadcast of the Warriors game against the Hawks, play-by-play man Bob Fitzgerald clarified that Lacob and Myers will also be in attendance.
It’s bound to be a special day for Green, made even more special by having some of his Warriors family beside him.