BROOKLYN, NY. — Two hours before the 2021 NBA Draft, as the rain fell pitter-patter outside of Barclays Center, Jalen Green waltzed onto the mini runway and headed for the podium on the main floor with former teammate Jonathan Kuminga.
Green, who wore a shiny, sparkling grey Balmain ensemble flanked by the exquisite orange threads Kuminga donned, was supposed to be taking pre-draft pictures — a yearly tradition for the green room invitees. But he paused and raised his head, almost standing still in time, soaking in the moment. This was where he wanted to be. This was the culmination of years of hard work, blood, sweat and tears.
Other top talents like Cade Cunningham, Jalen Suggs and Scottie Barnes waited nearby for their turn at the mantle. USC’s Evan Mobley stood off the to side, moving back and forth anxiously. The atmosphere was eerily similar of a pregame scene before a critical playoff Game 5 — apprehensive, but exciting at the same time.
A few minutes later, Green sat alone at his designated table with an NBA ball placed beside him, opening up his phone and taking selfies. The excitement was practically dripping from his face. When the entire group was called back on stage to take final group pics, Green was the only one who decided to stick out two peace signs, grinning ear to ear.
Talk to anyone close to Green and they’ll tell you that’s really who he is. Always laughing. Cheerful. Genuinely happy for the success of others. It’s why he screamed “Yea Scott! What I tell you, Scott!” when he ran into close friend Barnes in the hallway before embracing him in a bear hug. Barnes was drafted fourth overall by the Toronto Raptors, the first surprise of the evening.
