Draymond Green Reflects on Mother’s Influence, Regrets On-Court Conduct

Michael Beasley shared on a podcast how his struggles with OCD and social anxiety led to misunderstandings and a lack of support from NBA peers, including LeBron James and Shaquille O'Neal, which deeply hurt him. Draymond Green credited his mother, Mary Babers, for tough love that shaped his path to becoming a four-time NBA champion, including a pivotal moment when she disciplined him for cheating in ninth grade. Despite his success and confidence, Green revealed that his mother no longer watches his games due to anxiety caused by his physical style of play and the controversies surrounding him. Green also admitted on a podcast that his intense trash-talking once crossed a line by referencing a deceased sibling of an opponent, a mistake he regrets and which has affected his family emotionally. Although his mother urges him to retire, Green insists he still has more to contribute to the game and plans to continue his career. These stories highlight the personal challenges and family dynamics behind the public personas of NBA players.