Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green has been reinstated by the NBA. His return will come in the next several days after missing at least 13 games following an indefinite suspension handed out by NBA commissioner Adam Silver. He was ejected from the Warrior’s December 12 meeting against the Phoenix Suns after excessive contact to Sun’s Center Jusuf Nurkic.
The incident saw Green swing around and throw a punch directly at the head of Nurkic, causing the center to fall to the floor in pain. It was a type of play the league had never seen before, with many players reacting in horror. The violent play was the most egregious of Green’s career. However, it was just the latest non-basketball foul he has made since he entered the league.
In a November game against the Minnesota Timberwolves, Green placed Center Rudy Gobert in a chokehold. After a scuffle broke out between Golden State guard Klay Thompson and Minnesota forward Jaden McDaniels, Green attacked the unsuspecting Gobert. The unjustified action led to Green’s first ejection and suspension of the year. He was out for the next 5 games, although many sports analysts called for a longer punishment. About a month later, Green struck Nurkic, proving that he had not learned his lesson.
While it is undeniable how great of a player Green has been for the Warriors since he was selected out of Michigan State in the 2012 draft, he has had serious behavioral problems. Green is an impact player whenever he is on the court. He brings energy, toughness, and a will to win that positively impacts the Warriors and helped them become a dynasty. Intensity and competitiveness are necessary for professional athletes and are reasons why they become successful.
However, there is a line that must not be crossed. Green has repeatedly gone too far over the course of his career, whether on the court or off the court. He famously kicked LeBron James in the groin in the 2016 NBA Finals, a turning point in the Cavalier’s victory over the Warriors. In 2022, he punched teammate Jordan Poole during practice, an incident that hung like a cloud over the rest of their season.
The most disappointing part of the whole situation is that Green knows how much he cost his team with his absence. Speaking to team reporters recently, he shared how upset he is at himself. In addition, because it was not any physical ailment that kept him off the floor, but instead a mental ailment, it will be all the more difficult adjusting back to the game.
Green will look to return to game action in the coming days once he has been conditioned. He has received the help he needs and complied with league policies in order to be cleared. The Warriors need his impact on the court. Green knows his value and has promised his best to stay out of any more trouble. For his sake, and the sake of the team, let’s hope he can return to form and help Golden State compete for another championship this year. The NBA is better when Draymond Green is playing.
