Draymond GreenForward, Golden State Warriors

Why Does Draymond Green Wear Number 23?

26 Dec 2025 · 1 min

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In this solo YouTube clip, Draymond Green explains the personal history behind his jersey number 23. He cites Michael Jordan as an early influence and recounts wearing number 32 at Michigan State. After winning a state championship, he asked his coach Greg Kelsor for permission to keep 32, but the coach encouraged him to create his own number. Green then flipped the digits of 32 to form 23, which is now displayed in the rafters. He notes that the number has become part of his identity, linked to his nickname "Shrek," and that without 23 he would likely revert to 32.

Chapters

Why do you wear number 23? Obviously we all have some remnants of Michael Jordan. I wanna be like Mike, of course. I used to wear number 32. I made it to Michigan State, I asked Greg Kelsor after I won a state championship, "Mr. Kelsor, do you mind if I wear 32?" And he was like, "Ah, go create your own number, son." And I was like, "Okay." And I went and did exactly that. And now number 23 is up in the rafters. So I just flipped the numbers. 32 wasn't available, I flipped to 23. That's why I wear 23. And if I didn't have 23, now it'd be weird 'cause I'm so accustomed to Shrek. You know, but if I didn't have 23, I think it'd be back to 32. 2-3-3-2, them was my numbers. I just flipped them around. Woo!