Veteran Shooter Danny Green Hangs Up His Jersey
In a heartfelt announcement on Thursday, Danny Green signaled the end of his storied career in professional basketball. Having made significant waves as one of the league's most reliable sharpshooters, Green's journey is a testament to perseverance and skill.
A Rocky Start with the Cavaliers
Drafted 46th overall by the Cleveland Cavaliers, Green's entry into the NBA was not without its challenges. Early stints saw him waived not only by the Cavaliers but also by the San Antonio Spurs, casting doubt on his future in the league. Yet, Green's determination was unwavering. Navigating the Development League, Green clawed his way back, earning another opportunity with the Spurs.
Finding Footing with San Antonio
The 2011-12 NBA season marked a turning point for Green. As he refined his long-range shooting, Green became a pivotal piece in San Antonio's lineup, ending the season with an impressive 43.6% shooting percentage from beyond the arc. His accuracy from distance became his hallmark, allowing him to maintain a career average of 40% from the three-point line.
Green's contributions were not just limited to offense. In 2017, he earned All-Defense honors, a nod to his dedication on both ends of the court. During the 2013 NBA Finals, Green set a then-record with 27 three-pointers, showcasing his ability to perform under the brightest lights. Although this record was eventually eclipsed by Stephen Curry, Green's performance remains one of the epitomes of clutch shooting in Finals history.
An Architect of Championships
Green's career is decorated with three NBA championships, each with a different franchise—a rare feat achieved by only four players in NBA history. His time with the Spurs yielded his first ring, followed by a monumental trade in 2018 alongside Kawhi Leonard. This deal sent them to the Toronto Raptors, where the duo played a crucial role in securing the franchise’s first NBA title.
Following the Raptors' remarkable championship run, Green continued his championship-winning journey with the Los Angeles Lakers. In 2020, alongside basketball titan LeBron James and star Anthony Davis, Green helped propel the Lakers to their 17th NBA title.
A Journey Around the League
Green’s career saw him don the jerseys of several other NBA teams, fostering chemistry and excelling with the Philadelphia 76ers, Memphis Grizzlies, and revisiting his origins with a return stint at the Cleveland Cavaliers. During his tenure with the 76ers, Green encountered a significant setback, tearing his ACL in what would become his second season. Despite this, his influence on the court was notable enough for the Miami Heat to name a specific play in his honor—dubbed "The Danny Green Cut."
A Career of Noteworthy Collaborations
Throughout his career, Green shared the court with some of the most distinguished talents in NBA history. His alliances with legendary figures like Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, and Manu Ginobili in San Antonio laid the groundwork for his first championship exploits. In Toronto, Green teamed up with Kyle Lowry and Pascal Siakam, while his championship endeavors with the Lakers saw him alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis. His later career also included stints with top players such as Joel Embiid, James Harden, Ja Morant, and Donovan Mitchell.
Closing a Luminary Career
Danny Green's retirement marks the close of an era defined by resilience, elite shooting, and championship success. His story is emblematic of a player who—despite early setbacks—carved out a distinguished place in the league through hard work and clutch performances. As he steps away from professional basketball, Green leaves behind a legacy that will be remembered by fans and teammates alike, and his influence on the game remains a benchmark for upcoming sharpshooters aspiring for greatness.