Draymond wouldn't miss Izzo's HOF induction 'for anything'

Draymond Green is excited to see the man who served as both his coach and mentor during his four-year career at Michigan State get the credit he deserves at Friday's basketball Hall of Fame induction.

"Just to be there for him at the stage, a big moment," Green told The Undefeated's Marc J. Spears of Spartans coach Tom Izzo. "I can't remember a big moment in my life that he hasn’t been a part of. When there is a tough time in my life, he is there for me. For me to sacrifice a few hours for one of the biggest moments of his life is a no-brainer for me."

"That's a guy I know would do anything for me," he added. "To see him get inducted into the Hall of Fame, I wouldn't miss that for anything."

Green grew exponentially as a player under Izzo, going from a little-used freshman to earning Big Ten Player of the Year honors during his senior year.

The pair have maintained a strong relationship following Green's departure from Michigan State in 2012, keeping in close contact despite their geographical distance.

"We do have a father-son type of a relationship," Green said. "We have a friendship. We still have a coach-player relationship. That's what makes it so special, because he is all of those things."

Izzo was one of many who reached out to Green during his Game 5 suspension in this year's Finals - a gesture that didn't go unnoticed by the Golden State Warriors forward.

"He is always somebody to talk to," Green said. "Sometimes you just need somebody to talk to that can give you an unbiased opinion. Sometimes you need someone to just listen. He's there for all the tough times on the phone with me, calling someone else and then calling me back. This stuff is not his obligation at all."

Izzo is one of 10 members of a Hall of Fame class headlined by Shaquille O'Neal, Allen Iverson, and Yao Ming.