When you’re a bonafide sharpshooter like San Antonio Spurs guard Danny Green, you’ve got to find ways to get open, and that means one thing: you’ll have to run. And to run, you’ve got to be in shape. That’s especially true when you’re on a team aiming to win back-to-back NBA championships.
There’s no shortage of role models for the 27-year-old Green. Watching longtime veterans like Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobili, and Tony Parker prepare their bodies for marathon seasons that last deep into May and June.
Green says he doesn’t stick to a strict nutrition plan. If anything, the 6-foot-7 swingman’s focus is more about keeping his weight up to handle the physical demands of a grueling season. The five-year pro shared a game-day meal with us in this edition of DISHED, a series in which top athletes tell us what’s on their plate and why.
PROTEIN: I went for a turkey burger (on a whole-grain bun with lettuce and cheese). I usually eat something like that for my protein. I do eggs on a constant basis.
FRUIT: I wouldn’t say I eat fruit all the time. If I’m in the mood for fruit, I’ll eat it. I try to get some kind of fruit throughout the day or every couple of days. I usually go for bananas to keep the cramps away.
BANANA BREAD: I don’t stay away from bread but I don’t load up on bread either. I just eat it if it’s around.
Danny’s Favorite Home-cooked Meal
I’d say if I’m home (in Long Island, New York) I want some steak or chicken or ribs. Maybe mac and cheese. Even if it’s unhealthy, I have to get some of it. I have to go to the Chinese spot or the Caribbean spot to get a beef patty with coco bread. You can’t really get that out here (in San Antonio).
Danny’s Favorite Cheat Meal
I go for the worst of the worst. I’ll get fast food. I’ll go to McDonald’s if there’s nothing else and get a quarter-pounder with cheese, a vanilla shake, and chicken nuggets.
Danny’s Go-To Meal
I like breakfast, so I’ll do that. Scrambled eggs, bacon, pancakes. If I’m snacking, I’ll go for peanut butter and jelly in between meals.