All-Star demands piling up for Draymond Green

TORONTO – Draymond Green has a full plate this weekend. Appearances, a little practice time and many interviews will gobble up his spare time.

And then there is the matter of appearing in the NBA All-Star Game for the first time in his career Sunday.

So it’s understandable that, when the former Michigan State and Saginaw High star spoke to the media earlier today, he hadn’t had a chance to touch base with his family, who took a bus ride to Toronto from Michigan on Thursday night.

“I haven’t even had a chance to see them yet,” the Golden State Warriors forward said almost sheepishly in the Grand Ballroom at the Sheraton Centre Toronto.

“They got in last night and, obviously, getting up this morning and heading over to the media, you know how it is.”

Already a champion, Draymond Green now an All-Star

It’s a given Green, 25, will catch up with his family before the weekend is over. They were with him when he was a standout at Saginaw and through his four years in East Lansing.

And they cheered him on when he turned the disappointment of going in the second round of the 2012 draft into a stellar career that has seen him become an NBA champion and now and All-Star.

He is averaging 14.2 points, 9.5 rebounds and 7.2 assists per game for the 48-4 Warriors, who are shooting for 70 victories and look primed to repeat as NBA champions. He is a triple-double machine with 10 so far this season.

But then there’s the matter of that pesky time with the family.

“From what I hear, they’re having a good time, which is important for them to enjoy this moment as well because it’s a special moment,” Green said. “They’ve been a part of it just like I have. I really look forward to them enjoying this moment as much as I do.”

Draymond Green donates $3.1M to MSU athletics

Contact Vince Ellis at vellis@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @vincent_ellis56