In a surprising revelation, Tim Hardaway shared that Miami Heat president Pat Riley was initially opposed to drafting Draymond Green, despite Hardaway’s strong belief in Green’s potential. The story came to light during a recent episode of The Draymond Green Show.
Hardaway, who was scouting for the Heat at the time, recalled watching Green play in Big Ten games and being impressed with the then-college star’s versatility. “I said, ‘Draymond Green is Miami Heat culture. We need to draft him. Dude, he gonna come in, he knows how to play, he gonna play his role, he gonna play defense, he gonna give everybody confidence,’” Hardaway explained, via HoopsHype.
Despite Hardaway’s praise, Riley was not convinced. “Pat was like, ‘I don’t want him,’” Hardaway remembered. He pressed Riley for an explanation but was met with silence. The decision to pass on Green is a story that Hardaway has often reflected on, especially as Green went on to become a key piece of the Golden State Warriors’ dynasty.
Green’s rise to prominence with the Warriors, winning four championships and earning a Defensive Player of the Year award, has only magnified the Heat’s missed opportunity. As the Warriors repeatedly defeated the Heat in the playoffs, Hardaway recalled Riley’s knowing glances after each loss. “Every time you came to Miami, Golden State, and y’all beat us, Pat looked at me, and he said, ‘You better not say that,’” Hardaway shared with a smile.
Hardaway’s account highlights the unpredictable nature of the NBA draft and how scouting decisions can shape a team’s future. While Riley’s decision to pass on Green at the time may have seemed justified, it’s clear now that Hardaway saw something special in the forward. Green’s success with the Warriors is undeniable, as he continues to be a force on both ends of the floor for one of the most successful franchises of the past decade.
