Draymond Green: NBA Champion, former Defensive Player of the Year, and an outspoken force both on and off the court. But behind this formidable athlete lies a sentimental family man whose heart belongs to the lovely Hazel Renee.
Recently, this power couple turned heads as they graced the Los Angeles premiere of Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse alongside Green’s adorable children, Draymond Jamal “DJ” Green Jr. and Kyla Green.
Hazel Renee and Draymond Green with their kids Draymond Jamal “DJ” Green Jr. and Kyla Green at the premiere of Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse in Los Angeles, California on May 30, 2023 (Credit: Faye’s Vision / Cover Images)
Draymond Green has repeatedly proven his prowess on the basketball court with four NBA championships. His accolades are numerous, from leading the Golden State Warriors to victory to earning multiple All-Star nods.
However, amidst all these achievements, his most significant accomplishment remains his union with Hazel Renee. In heartfelt tributes shared on Instagram, he eloquently expresses his admiration for his wife.
But who exactly is the woman who captured Draymond Green’s heart? Let’s unravel the inspiring love story that brought these two remarkable individuals together.
Hazel Renee: A Talented Actress, Singer, and Model
Hazel Renee is a talented television actress and personality who has significantly impacted the entertainment industry – her journey before the camera began with her appearance in the webisode The Marriage Tour by David Tinsley.
This early exposure paved the way for her future success, leading her to secure notable roles in various productions. In 2017, Renee made her mark on Fox’s hit television drama Empire, where she showcased her acting prowess in the show’s third season.
Simultaneously, she joined the cast of The Real Housewives of Atlanta during its ninth season on Bravo. Her undeniable fit for the role also led her to secure a recurring position on VH1’s Basketball Wives series.
View this post on Instagram
Before entering the acting world, Renee explored modeling and music. She earned the esteemed National American Miss Teen Michigan title as a teenager, showcasing her natural beauty and poise.
Her modeling career flourished, gracing the pages of Smooth Girl and Smooth Magazine’s top 100 issues. She also demonstrated versatility by appearing in various commercials and TV episodes.
Not only is Hazel Renee a talented actress and model, but she also possesses a soulful voice. Her R&B and soul album, LOVE TRIANGLE, is available on SoundCloud, showcasing her musical talent. She even worked alongside Kandi Burruss’ girl group, Glamour, on MTV’s Making the Band 3.
In 2023, Hazel Renee expanded her acting portfolio with a role in Fear. The movie’s premiere was momentous, captured by her supportive husband.
View this post on Instagram
Draymond Green took to Instagram to express his admiration for Renee, acknowledging, “Such an incredible moment. I’ve watched the countless hours you’ve put into your craft. It’s a thankless job. You are told no 99% of the time. Only chasing that 1%. You never stop. I admire the grind!”
How Did Draymond Green And Hazel Renee Meet?
Draymond Green and Hazel Renee’s journey began in a most unexpected setting – a theater class.
In an exclusive interview with Essence in August 2022, Renee revealed that their first encounter occurred as Michigan State University students long before Green became a professional basketball player.
She shared, “We were in the same theater class, and both athletes.”
During their college years, Renee participated in the university’s track and field team, while Green showcased his skills on the basketball court as a member of the Spartans. His remarkable performances led the team to not one but two Final Four appearances and a Big Ten tournament championship.
Hazel Renee and Draymond Green were in the same theater class at Michigan State University, and they both have athletic backgrounds (Credit: BauerGriffin / INSTARimages)
As fate would have it, their shared athletic backgrounds and mutual attendance in the same theater class brought them closer together.
Renee fondly recalled, “Naturally we gravitated towards one another for group projects because we were already familiar with each other.”
However, their romantic journey started after a while. The timing wasn’t entirely aligned for them, as Green embarked on his NBA career in 2012 while Renee was focused on pursuing her dreams in acting.
When Green and Renee’s Relationship Started to Blossom
The love story between Draymond Green and Hazel Renee began with a wave of rumors and denials. In 2017, amidst speculations about their relationship, Green firmly denied any romantic involvement with Renee.
However, the truth could no longer be concealed, as in May 2018, Green confirmed their blossoming romance through an Instagram video.
It showcased Renee seated courtside, cradling the basketball star’s then-one-year-old baby while they cheered on the Golden State Warriors in a thrilling game against the Houston Rockets. Green passionately kissed Renee on the sidelines as the Warriors won.
Hazel Renee and Draymond Green met while they were both students at Michigan State University and got married in August 2022 (Credit: Featureflash Photo Agency / Shutterstock)
Reconnecting after several years after their initial encounter, Renee shared the details of their rekindled connection with Essence. Their first meeting, once a “casual” encounter, evolved into a more profound bond as they ventured on a delightful date.
Renee shared, “We went to a rooftop pool and hung out at the cabana all day, which is still one of our favorite things to do together. We hadn’t seen each other in a very long time, so we hung out all day, talked, and caught up. It was really casual but also reflective of our relationship. We really are best friends.”
Draymond Green’s Grand Surprise Marriage Proposal
One year after publicly acknowledging their relationship, Draymond Green decided to take their commitment to the next level, proposing to Hazel Renee.
Renee excitedly confirmed the engagement, sharing an Instagram video on Valentine’s Day in 2019, capturing the moments leading up to the grand proposal as Green meticulously prepared for the life-changing question.
View this post on Instagram
Overflowing with gratitude, she expressed, “Almost a month ago someone (ahem) really outdid themselves (per norm) and made me feel like the Luckiest Girl In The World! You really went Big Big😬 I Love You Always…FOREVER!”
The engagement was indeed a spectacle to behold. Green and Renee embarked on a helicopter ride over the vast ocean, only to land on a luxurious yacht adorned with a mesmerizing display of flowers. Gathered in the presence of their loved ones, Green knelt before Renee, asking for her hand in marriage.
She shared the exquisite details of the surprise engagement with Vogue in August 2022, recalling, “I thought we were just doing a city tour with the kids and then dinner. However, the helicopter started to hover over water and lower down. Voilà! We then landed onto a boat.”
Renee added, “He walked me over to a beautiful bed of flowers that covered a Jacuzzi in front of all of our loved ones, and he got on one knee and proposed – it was something out of a movie, for sure.”
Overwhelmed with emotion, she described it as “the most over-the-top, sweetest thing that someone has ever done to express their love for me.”
View this post on Instagram
As the year progressed, Renee proudly displayed her sparkling engagement ring on Instagram, bidding farewell to the summer with a playful caption, “Farewell Summer…So They Say😏,” accompanied by the hashtag “#HotFianceSummer.”
However, fate had other plans for Green and Renee’s wedding. Initially scheduled for June 28, 2020, the global COVID-19 pandemic forced them to postpone their dream ceremony.
View this post on Instagram
On what was supposed to be their special day, Renee shared a message of positivity and gratitude on Instagram. Despite the circumstances, she acknowledged the date’s significance, writing, “6.28.20….Today’s Date Will Always Be Special To Me❤️ Here we are in the midst of so much going on in the world and I know things are exactly how they should be for ME.”
While their wedding plans were temporarily put on hold, the couple’s love blossomed in other ways. In December 2020, Renee gave birth to their first child, a beautiful daughter named Cash Green, marking the expansion of their loving family.
View this post on Instagram
Green proudly took to Instagram to announce the arrival of their precious bundle of joy. Expressing his admiration for Renee’s strength during the pregnancy, he affectionately referred to her as the “GOAT (Greatest of All Time) Mama.”
Hazel Renee and Draymond Green’s Wedding
After a beautiful journey of three-and-a-half years, Hazel Renee and Draymond Green finally exchanged vows on August 14, 2022. The setting for their union was an intimate ceremony held at the Fairmont Grand Del Mar in San Diego.
Stepping into the spotlight, Draymond Green radiated confidence and elegance, dressed in an exquisite emerald tuxedo from the renowned Rich Fresh. Meanwhile, Hazel Renee stunned everyone as she glided down the aisle in a custom-designed Ines Di Santo ball gown.
In a heartfelt moment, she confided, “I never imagined wearing a ball gown for my ceremony, but when I put on the sample, I looked at my mother-in-law, and I knew immediately that it was the gown for me. We both were teary-eyed.”
Hazel Renee and Draymond Green didn’t start dating in university, but they remained friends, and they reconnected after graduating and started dating (Credit: Niviere David / ABACA USA / INSTARimages)
Renee shared her whirlwind experience with Vogue, exclaiming, “Everything happened so fast! When people kept telling me it would be over quick, boy, were they right! It was like a whirlwind of dreams, laughter and nonstop dancing.”
Among the treasured moments was her emotional walk down the aisle, accompanied by her father in his steady arm. Renee reminisced, “I knew in my heart that the bond [my father] had built with Draymond over the years gave him security in knowing he was giving his baby girl away to the man of her dreams.”
Draymond Green and Hazel Renee making a head-turning entrance at the 2022 ESPY Awards held at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, California on July 20, 2022 (Credit: FAYES VISION / Startraksphoto / Cover Images)
The joyous occasion attracted numerous esteemed guests, including some of the brightest stars of the NBA. Green’s teammate, the legendary Stephen Curry, graced the event, accompanied by his brother Seth Curry, Jayson Tatum, LeBron James, and many other notable figures.
In the interview with Essence, Renee revealed that their shared passion for exploration and adventure had become a cornerstone of their relationship. She raved, “We are both very adventurous and have so much fun. I love being able to explore the world with him.”
Green and Renee’s Age and Height Difference
Hazel Renee, born on March 31, 1986, is four years older than her husband. She hails from Fort Riley, Kansas, and has a diverse background with Puerto Rican-Filipino and African-American heritage.
While her birth name is Hazel Renee Joiner, she adopted a stage name for her acting career. The 37-year-old actress stands at 5 feet 5 inches (167 cm).
Despite Hazel Renee’s high heels, Draymond Green towers over his wife at the world premiere of Fear at Directors Guild of America in Los Angeles, California on January 21, 2023 (Credit: Faye’s Vision / Cover Images)
On the other hand, Draymond Jamal Green Sr. is a professional basketball player for the Golden State Warriors in the NBA.
Born on March 4, 1990, in Saginaw, Michigan, the 33-year-old star stands tall at 6 feet 5 ½ inches (196.9 cm), surpassing his wife’s height by 11 ½ inches.
Draymond Green and Hazel Renee’s Children and Past Relationships
Draymond Green and Hazel Renee’s journey as parents involves their children from previous relationships, creating a beautiful blended family.
Known for his success on the basketball court, Draymond Green has a son named Draymond “D.J.” Green Jr. with his former partner, Jelissa Hardy. Their love story began during Green’s college days at Michigan State University.
Their baby boy was born on December 22, 2016, when the Golden State Warriors dominated the NBA with championship victories. Alongside D.J., Green and Hardy also share a daughter named Kyla Green.
Hazel Renee and Draymond Green are proud of their kids Draymond Jamal “DJ” Green Jr., Kyla Green, Cash Green (not pictured), and Olive Jay (not pictured), who make up their beautiful blended family (Credit: Faye’s Vision / Cover Images)
On the other hand, Hazel Renee had a previous relationship with a basketball player named Jacob Pullen, who achieved stardom at Kansas State.
Their love resulted in the birth of a daughter named Olive Jay on October 24, 2014. Unfortunately, their long-distance relationship faced challenges and eventually ended.
Draymond Green and Hazel Renee are raising three children as a blended family. Their first child as a couple, Cash Green, was born in December 2020. In addition to Cash, they raise Green’s son, Draymond Jamal “DJ” Green Jr., and Renee’s daughter from her previous relationship, Olive Jay.