Draymond Green Criticized Bucks Media Day Photoshoot

The Golden State forward called the team's tribute to a 2003 rookie photo the corniest thing ever.

Updated on Sept. 27, 2026 in Basketball

Draymond Green Criticized Bucks Media Day Photoshoot

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Do you think recreating team history is an effective way for new players to build community?

The Milwaukee Bucks generated nearly one million views after posting photos of Tyler Herro recreating a classic 2003 image of assistant coach TJ Ford. Draymond Green publicly mocked the tribute, labeling the recreation as the corniest thing ever.

Why it matters

The team orchestrated the photoshoot to integrate Herro, who grew up in nearby Greenfield, into the franchise following a major trade. This attempt to lean into local history backfired as it drew immediate national criticism for its execution.

The post featured 26-year-old Tyler Herro wearing the same No. 11 purple uniform design worn by TJ Ford during his 2003 rookie photoshoot. The tribute followed a massive trade involving Giannis Antetokounmpo that netted the team three first-round picks.

The players

Draymond Green

He is an NBA forward who is well-known for his vocal commentary on league trends and player behavior.

Tyler Herro

He is a 26-year-old professional basketball player who recently joined the Milwaukee Bucks after spending seven seasons with the Miami Heat.

TJ Ford

He is a former NBA player and current assistant coach for the Milwaukee Bucks who was the 8th overall pick in the 2003 draft.

Giannis Antetokounmpo

He is a prominent NBA star who led the Milwaukee Bucks to a championship in 2021 before being traded to the Miami Heat.

The details

Tyler Herro donned oversized shorts and a vintage-style jersey to match the exact aesthetic TJ Ford displayed during his original 2003 shoot, which had famously resulted from a uniform delivery error. The Bucks paired the two, with Ford now serving as an assistant coach, to welcome Herro back to the area.

The original TJ Ford photoshoot occurred in 2003.
Lew Alcindor led the team to a title in 1971.
Giannis Antetokounmpo led the team to a championship in 2021.
The Bucks posted the photoshoot images on September 23, 2026.
The article regarding Green's comments was published on September 27, 2026.

Season Trajectory

This photoshoot marks an attempt to pivot the franchise narrative following the departure of Giannis Antetokounmpo. By centering the marketing on local roots and team history, the Bucks are trying to stabilize fan sentiment during a major roster transition.

The trade involving Giannis Antetokounmpo shifts the team's competitive outlook and forces a reliance on the three first-round picks acquired in the deal. Fans should watch the rotation closely to see if the chemistry between the new roster additions develops as expected.

The takeaway

Nostalgic marketing can provide a bridge for new players entering a local market, but it remains susceptible to critique when it mimics past unintentional errors. Authenticity often resonates more strongly with fans than high-concept recreations of team history.