Jalen Green, 22, addresses baby news with pregnant girlfriend Draya Michele, 39, for the first time
Jalen Green is feeling inspired on and off the court.
After the Houston Rockets star, 22, scored a career-high 42 points in his team’s win over the Washington Wizards on Tuesday, he shared what motivates him during his games.
“My family,” he said, “[and] My baby.”
Green’s girlfriend, Draya Michele, is currently pregnant with their first child — a baby girl due in May.
On March 8, the “Basketball Wives” alum, 39, announced her pregnancy with a carousel of maternity photos in honor of International Women’s Day.
“We are so happy to share our love for you, little girl,” she captioned the post. “I’m excited to talk to my daughter like I never thought I would. We’re anxious about your arrival, but take your time – this world can be tough.”
“But know that you are being brought to a place of love, safety and decency,” Michelle added.
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Although the Mint Swim founder didn’t tag the father of her child in the post, NBA star Kyle Kuzma congratulated both Green and Michel in the comments.
“This is family @jalen @drayamichele ❤️,” she wrote in the comments section before closing comments on Michelle’s post.
The couple faced backlash over the news of the pregnancy due to their 17-year age gap.
Michelle’s former “Basketball Wives” co-star Meghan James tweeted, “17 years is wilddddd. Cool BC yal having fun with a younger guy is both big. Having a kid the same age as your son says a lot about your character as a person. .”
Other social media users even labeled Michelle as a “predator.”
Following the backlash, the former reality star posted a cryptic meme on Instagram about “being misunderstood.”
“Be comfortable being misunderstood. Only a fraction of people will ever truly grasp your essence. You are not on anyone else’s understanding timeline,” the post read.
“Besides, how others perceive you is none of your business. The Almighty sees you clearly – let that be enough.”
Rumors swirled last year that Green and Michelle were dating.
The athlete — who signed a four-year, $40.8 million contract with the Rockets through 2021 — even has his name tattooed on his lower abdomen.
Michelle is also mother to son Nico, 21, whose father is unknown to the public, and son Zaru, 7, whom she shares with ex-fiancé Orlando Scandrick.