As the NBA offseason winds down, Draymond Green, the Golden State Warriors’ fiery forward, is making headlines far beyond the Bay Area. Heading into his 14th season with the team, the 35-year-old is not slowing down—on or off the court. Fresh off a stellar 2024-25 campaign, where he earned a third-place finish in Defensive Player of the Year voting and a fifth All-Defensive First Team nod, Green is now captivating audiences across the globe, particularly in China, one of the NBA’s biggest markets.
Green’s recent promotional tour in China has taken social media by storm, with the Warriors themselves amplifying his larger-than-life presence. On Tuesday, the team’s Instagram account lit up with a post captioned, “Draymond got Shanghai’s skyline glowing.” Accompanying the caption was a jaw-dropping video of Green’s image projected onto one of Shanghai’s tallest skyscrapers, a testament to his enduring star power in the Asian market. The post underscores the Warriors’ pride in their veteran forward’s global reach, as he continues to expand the team’s brand in a country with millions of devoted Golden State fans.
However, Green’s trip wasn’t all glitz and glamour. A viral moment from his tour has sparked chatter among fans and raised eyebrows within the Warriors’ organization. During one event, Green took to the court for a playful dunk attempt on a fan sporting a Jordan Poole jersey. While Green’s slam didn’t quite land, his physicality sent the fan sprawling, followed by a lighthearted headlock and a friendly dap. The clip exploded online, reigniting discussions about Green’s infamous 2022 altercation with former teammate Jordan Poole, where a practice punch led to Poole’s departure from Golden State the following year. The Warriors’ front office, while publicly celebrating Green’s global influence, is reportedly keeping a close eye on the optics of such moments, wary of any distractions as the new season looms.
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Despite the buzz, Green remains a cornerstone of the Warriors’ championship aspirations. His defensive prowess and leadership are critical as Golden State aims to reclaim NBA glory in 2025-26. With the preseason just weeks away, Green is expected to return to the U.S. soon, if he hasn’t already, to gear up for the grind. As the Warriors prepare for another title chase, all eyes will be on Green—not just for his on-court impact but for how he navigates the spotlight off it. One thing is clear: whether it’s dominating defensively or stealing the show in Shanghai, Draymond Green knows how to keep the world watching.