Former Los Angeles Lakers forward A.C. Green believes today’s NBA players are increasingly embracing fatherhood and family life, a shift he says reflects a positive evolution in how athletes use their public platforms.
Green, a three-time NBA champion and one of the league’s most durable players, said he welcomes the growing visibility of players presenting themselves as fathers and family men.
“I love it. It’s about time, and we need more of it,” Green said during a conversation with Matt Moore of Action Network.
The former Lakers forward pointed to moments where players have included their children in public settings, saying those scenes highlight a different side of professional athletes.
“Steph Curry — when he had little Riley with him at the podium during the playoffs — she didn’t know where she was,” Green said. “She just knew, that’s my daddy, and I’m sitting in my daddy’s lap, and she wanted to say something. And it’s just — yes, we need more of that.”
Green said athletes have an opportunity to influence families beyond basketball because of the visibility that comes with playing in the NBA.
“We need more guys stepping up and realizing they have a platform,” Green said. “Let’s use that platform. For your family’s sake, let your kids get involved or be exposed to parts of your life.”
The former All-Defensive forward noted that while players may not want to share every detail of their personal lives, showing family moments can resonate with fans.
“You don’t have to show them everything — they don’t need to see every aspect of what you do — but you don’t have to shut them out from everything either,” Green said.
Green believes those public examples can influence younger audiences who often look outside their homes for role models.
“And you never know — along the way, you might inspire another family or another parent,” Green said. “You might say something that parents and grandparents are already trying to tell their kids.”
He added that athletes sometimes reinforce lessons already being taught by parents, teachers, or mentors.
“Sometimes it takes someone outside the home to reinforce it,” Green said. “Teachers try to say the same things too. And that’s just how a lot of kids learn.”
Green explained that he experienced that dynamic growing up, when advice carried more weight coming from someone he admired.
“I know that’s how it was for me — my parents said it, but when someone I respected or thought was cool said the exact same thing, suddenly the light bulb went off,” he said.
The NBA has increasingly highlighted players’ families during broadcasts, social media content, and postgame interviews.
Green said those moments can help humanize players while showing the responsibilities that come with life outside the court.
For the former Laker, who built his reputation on durability and professionalism during a career that included an NBA-record 1,192 consecutive games played, the visibility of family values represents a meaningful development for the league’s culture.
