CNN has added Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green as a contributor to its coverage. Anchor and chief Washington correspondent Jake Tapper announced Green’s hiring on his show on Aug. 28.
Green, 30, is also a basketball analyst for TNT, which like CNN is owned by Turner. The Warriors were not part of the NBA’s restarted bubble season, but Green offered insight into the three-day NBA player strike that began Aug. 26.
While players reportedly considered calling off the remainder of the season entirely, Green said that staying in the bubble and playing gave the players a stronger platform.
“If we leave our stage and we drop our microphone, we could no longer speak for those people that we are speaking for which are parts of our community that their voices aren’t heard,” Green said. “If we take those resources away, we’re taking resources away from ourselves to be able to continue this fight.”
Green also discussed the NBA Players’ Association and NBA’s plan to return to play, which included action items around creating a social justice coalition, advocating for voting rights, and using advertising spots to further social justice awareness.
The three-time All-Star’s hiring comes two month after CNN added New Orleans Saints safety Malcolm Jenkins as a regular contributor on national affairs.
When he was hired, Jenkins thanked CNN for “viewing professional athletes beyond their sport as another educated voice who brings a varied perspective and value to the network’s programming and shows.”
“Now more than ever, the public needs to be educated on the roles of elected positions of power, such as the District Attorney, Police Chief or City Council and how to hold those individuals accountable, especially through their voice and their vote,” Jenkins said at the time.
