Jalen Green Credits His “Baby And Family” As Motivation Amid Draya Michele Backlash

Jalen Green has seemingly broken his silence regarding Draya Michele’s pregnancy with his child, as the NBA star voiced his appreciation for his “family” and his “baby” during a recent post-game interview.

Following the Houston Rockets’ blowout win against the Washington Wizards on Tuesday (March 19), Green spoke with a reporter about both his individual and team’s performance after tying his career-high of 41 points.

Near the end of the interview, the West Coast native was asked what has been the source of his motivation following the NBA All-Star break, a period during which the third-year guard has excelled and turned in some of his most productive showings yet.

Green, who recently unveiled a tattoo of Michele’s name on his lower stomach, would attribute the “motivation” that’s fueled his game to his “family” and his “baby.”

While Green didn’t mention Michele by name, a number of commenters on social media deciphered his response as him acknowledging his unborn child, as well as its mother, amid public discourse surrounding the nature of he and Michele’s relationship.

Michele has been subjected to scrutiny and backlash since being romantically linked to Green in 2023, with many noting the age difference between the two, as she is more than 17 years his senior. Michele turned 39 on Jan. 23, while Green turned 22 on Feb. 9.

The Basketball Wives alum has been branded as a “predator” by some, particularly Joe Budden, who deemed her as such during an episode of his Joe Budden Podcast.

Other athletes and celebrities have spoken unflatteringly of the relationship, pointing to Michele’s long history of dating athletes, entertainers and celebrities. Actor London Brown and former NBA stars Nick Young and Gilbert Arenas have alluded to such, with Brown describing her as “passed around goods.”

While both Green and Michele have remained relatively mum regarding their union, Michele recently began to clap back through veiled social media posts, painting herself as “misunderstood” while urging outsiders to mind their business.

“Get comfortable being misunderstood,” the model wrote earlier this month. “Only a fraction of people will be able to truly grasp your essence. You are not on anyone else’s timeline of comprehension. Also, it’s none of your business how others choose to perceive you. Most High sees you clearly – let that be enough.”

Watch Jalen Green’s post-game interview below.

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