Golden State Warriors’ Draymond Green has never been one to hold back his emotions – whether it’s an on-court scuffle or a podcast rant, the man speaks his mind. But this time, his words weren’t aimed at an opponent, a referee, or a fellow NBA player. Instead, Green took to social media to honor one of basketball’s most respected voices – the legendary Ernie Johnson Jr.
For over three decades, Ernie Johnson has been the glue that holds Inside the NBA together, seamlessly navigating the madness that is Shaquille O’Neal, Charles Barkley, and Kenny Smith. And now, Draymond Green, who moonlights as an Inside the NBA analyst when he’s not busy racking up technical fouls, has joined the mix, experiencing firsthand the greatness that is Ernie.
Draymond the Analyst – A Love-Hate Affair
In 2022, Green inked a multi-year deal with Turner Sports, making him a part-time media man while still playing for the Warriors. Some loved it. Some hated it. Some just wondered how he finds time for both jobs when he’s already working overtime getting under opponents’ skin. Nevertheless, his presence on the show has given him the rare opportunity to share the stage with the Hall of Fame-caliber crew.
Green has often found himself under fire for his extremely candid analysis. He calls it “telling it like it is,” while some players probably call it “bro, chill.” But one thing’s for sure – working with Ernie Johnson Jr. has been a highlight of his burgeoning media career.
A Tribute Worthy of a GOAT Emoji
Recently, GQ Sports shared an emotional excerpt from their interview with Johnson, where he opened up about his battles with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and prostate cancer. The 68-year-old sportscasting icon, who has collected 21 Sports Emmy Awards like they’re participation trophies, has not only survived but thrived in an industry where longevity is rarer than a well-officiated NBA game.
Upon seeing the post, Draymond did what any modern-day sports personality would do – he hit Instagram. He reposted the story to his Instagram stories, adding a simple yet powerful caption: “Still can’t believe I’ve had the opportunity to work with the legend. Wow! 🐐”
Yes, the goat emoji. The universal stamp of legendary status. Because, let’s face it, Ernie isn’t just a host – he’s the Inside the NBA MVP, keeping the show from turning into complete mayhem.
Ernie Johnson’s Secret to Staying Sharp? Peloton, Golf, and Grandkids
So, how does a guy like Ernie keep up his energy after 35 years in the game? According to the GQ interview, it’s a mix of Peloton workouts, golf swings, and grandkid chases.
“I’m addicted to the Peloton bike. I love the sweat,” Johnson shared, proving once and for all that while Barkley might be allergic to cardio, Ernie is out here putting in the work. “I’ve got five grandkids that I’m chasing around. I want to be there for them.”
Not only is Ernie staying in shape, but he’s also using his platform to inspire others, encouraging people to take their health seriously and not ignore warning signs. Because if there’s one thing we’ve learned from watching the NBA, it’s that ignoring problems doesn’t make them go away (looks at every struggling team hoping for a midseason miracle).
The Legacy Continues
Ernie Johnson Jr. remains a fixture in basketball culture, and if Draymond’s tribute tells us anything, it’s that his influence goes beyond just hosting a sports show. He’s a mentor, a leader, and a rare voice of reason in a studio full of chaos.
While Green might not always be everyone’s cup of tea on the court or in the studio, this time, he got it right. Because if there’s one person in basketball media who deserves all the praise (and a goat emoji or two), it’s Ernie Johnson Jr.
Now, let’s all take a moment to appreciate that, thanks to him, Inside the NBA hasn’t yet devolved into an unscripted WWE segment. Well… at least not completely.