“Javonte Green wasn’t supposed to be in the NBA, anyway”. That’s the part that always stands out — not just how he made it, but where he came from to do it. That kid, who was not drafted, overlooked, and consistently doubted, is entering another chapter of his basketball career with the Detroit Pistons, still defying expectations. Green’s path to the NBA has been anything but typical, a road shaped not just by personal drive but by a tight-knit family that backed him every step of the way.

From a standout football player to an international basketball journeyman, Green’s journey was a series of uphill climbs. However, the foundation of support came early and often from his parents, his aunt, his siblings, and his extended family. Every stop, from Spain to Italy to Germany, every missed opportunity and injury setback, was met with the same constant: a family that believed in him even when coaches and scouts didn’t. And now, with a new opportunity in Detroit, that same family continues to be the backbone of his story.

Who is Javonte Green’s Father?

Javonte Green’s father is Jeffrey Mason. Jeffrey is part of Green’s extended supportive family network that encouraged his sports career. From early high school decisions to following his progress across Europe and into the NBA, Mason has been part of the circle that grounded Green through every phase of his journey. 

Green’s paternal side includes relatives such as his uncle, Alfred M. Mason Jr., who has been a key supporter throughout his professional and personal development. The connection between father, uncle, and nephew is part of the web of influence that held Green steady even during the most uncertain stages of his basketball pursuit.

Who is Javonte Green’s Mother?

Javonte Green was born on 23 July 1993, in Petersburg, Virginia, to Maxine Green. She also has four other children, Devainte Green, Kiara Green, Jamar Mason Green, and Kara Green. Yet, she always managed to guide Jevonte in his sports decisions, especially steering him toward basketball after his back injuries from football. During a pivotal moment in high school, Maxine, along with her sister Kim Mason, helped Green weigh the long-term risks of a football career, a sport he deeply loved, against the opportunities basketball could still offer. “It came down to my mom’s and my aunt’s conversation,” Green recalled. “They knew how much I loved to play football, but by my junior year, I had two herniated discs in my back. Mom was scared about that. She didn’t want that to be a problem in later life.”

Maxine’s protective instincts didn’t just redirect his sporting focus; they likely prolonged his athletic career. Her voice in that room helped shape the version of Javonte Green now preparing for another NBA season.

Who is Javonte Green’s Aunt?

Kim Mason is Javonte’s aunt, the one who helped guide him from his early teens, raising him from sixth grade through high school in Lawrenceville, Virginia. Her influence is woven into his upbringing both on and off the court. She has been a constant source of encouragement and prayer for his continued success. When Green made his NBA debut with the Celtics, Kim and a caravan of relatives drove five hours up I-95 to Philadelphia, even after learning he’d be inactive. “We still wanted to support,” Kim said. “It was okay.”

That support never wavered, not during his seasons overseas, not through injury, and not now as he transitions to the Pistons. “We had always planned, wherever his first regular-season game was, we wanted to come,” Mason said. “We found it was in Philly, that was right up our alley, that’s only five hours, maybe five-and-a-half hours from where we live. Once we were on our way, we did learn he was on the inactive list. That was a bummer, but we still wanted to support. It was okay.” For Mason, who drove around Virginia to watch Green play in high school and then drove around the region to watch him at Radford, the opportunity to share Wednesday’s game with her nephew, even though he didn’t play, was “kind of unbelievable.”

When the Boston Celtics were finalizing their roster, Javonte Green and rookie Tacko Fall were both competing for the final spot. During a game at the Wells Fargo Center, Mason got the chance to meet Fall in person. Javonte brought Tacko out from the locker room to introduce him to his aunt. The moment was meaningful to her. “That was awesome,” Mason said with a smile. “Everybody loves Tacko. I love Tacko.”

Green always knew his journey would be different. What kept him going through Spain, Italy, Germany, the G League, and finally the NBA was more than faith…it was family.