Four-time All-Star Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green has been critiqued by a former NFL standout.
But not for anything he did on the hardwood.
A four-time champion, nine-time All-Defensive Teamer, and the 2017 Defensive Player of the Year, the 35-year-old Green has established himself as one of the most versatile and lethal defensive players this century.
Could Draymond Green Have Played Pro Football?
Even heading into his 14th season this fall, the 6-foot-6 Michigan State product remains an elite defender and solid passer and playmaker.
Along with at least fellow future Hall of Fame teammates Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler (another, bubble Hall of Famer, Boston Celtics free agent big man Al Horford, has been pegged to sign with Golden State this summer, too), Green still seems to have enough to compete at a high level.
But health issues could prove a massive impediment to the upside of this Warriors team. Butler will turn 36 before the start of 2025-26, while Curry will be 38 and Green will be 36 during the season.
During a new conversation with NBA insider Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson five-year NFL journeyman tight end Ben Troupe unpacked how Green’s attitude translated to football during a recent exhibition showcase.
Let me you tell yall something. One of the best in the business. One of the best to ever do it. My dude @ScoopB and I got a chance to chop it up about some things. Im humbled. It was so much fun. Give us a listen. Scoop you a 1 of 1, my friend. Mama we made it. RESPECT https://t.co/IovDBEo8cp
— Ben Troupe (@BenTroupe84) August 23, 2025
Troupe also suggested that NFL players would struggle to perform at a high level in the NBA, too.
“Who’s good enough to be a star player — not just a player… I starred in my role at football and I’m a star basketball player. Okay, what position is he going to play? Oh, he plays guard and he has to guard Steph? Not gonna work,” Troupe submitted.
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Troupe suggested that Green, known for his defensive moxie and his creativity with the ball, could be a great model for a future NFL pro looking to become a cross-sports player.
“Well then maybe he can be like a Draymond Green… ? Draymond Green is the smartest person on the court,” Troupe said. “That’s why he doesn’t have to score. I just think it’s way too much especially now because we got social media.”
In speaking to Robinson, Troupe laid out a case for why cross-sports athletes in general don’t work — with a few superstar exceptions.
“Stick to one sport,” Troupe insisted. “To the Deions [Sanders] of the world we appreciate you. Mike [Michael Jordan]. I know Nate Robinson played football at U-Dub before he moved to basketball; Draymond, I saw you in the spring game at Michigan State trying to play tight end. That was embarrassing! I love you but, don’t put that tape out! Just leave it alone. We would love to see it but if anybody could do it, I think a tight end has the best shot only because they’re used to being utility players — being asked to do a lot but not really caring about the credit.”
“So if anybody has the mindset, they can do it as a tight end, Troupe observed. “Kyle Pitts is 6’6”. Darren Waller’s is like 6’5” for the Giants but LeBron is 6’8” and he’s coming down the lane in Year 20 [laughs]… Just leave it alone, man. Because you’re gonna get posterized real fast and you can’t fight for real but I would love to see it though.”
Green’s basketball IQ is so terrific one wonders if he could find intriguing angles into the NFL game.
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