Draymond Green Is in the Hot Seat With the NBA
Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green has received an indefinite suspension for hitting Phoenix Suns center Jusuf Nurkić in the face.
This was announced from Executive Vice President and Head of Basketball Operations, Joe Dumars. This decision considers Green’s recurring pattern of unsportsmanlike behavior.
The incident transpired with 8:23 left in the third quarter of the Warriors’ 119-116 defeat against the Suns on December 12 at Footprint Center. Green was issued a Flagrant Foul 2 and subsequently ejected.
Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green has been suspended indefinitely by the NBA, after he hit Phoenix Suns center Jusuf Nurkic in the face and received a Flagrant 2 foul and ejection last night. – APpic.twitter.com/tpqi3oEJLg
— Keith Boykin (@keithboykin) December 14, 2023
Furthermore, the league announced that the sanction issued by Operations Chief Joe Dumars is effective immediately. Furthermore, this marks Green’s second suspension in the ongoing season.
“He will be required to meet certain league and team conditions before he returns to play,” the NBA announced.
Moreover, Green, Warriors GM Mike Dunleavy Jr., and agent Rich Paul will meet on Thursday. They will discuss a counseling plan for Green’s progress, sources tell ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.
In addition, the league opted not to specify a definite duration for the suspension but aims to afford Green the necessary time to address the challenges he is currently confronting.
Draymond Green suspended indefinitely for hitting Nurkić in the face. NBA VP Joe Dumars says it's about helping him get better. Warriors and players' union support the decision. Green claims it was an accident. Nurkić says Green needs help. #NBA #Warriors #Suns #Green #Nurkić
— Global Alert Sports (@galertsports) December 14, 2023
For a suspension lasting fewer than 20 games, Green will incur a deduction of $153,941 per game, while if the suspension extends beyond 20 games, the penalty increases to $202,922 per game.
Green’s three ejections mark a season-high for him. The initial ejection took place on Nov 11 against the Cleveland Cavaliers when he received two technical foul. The second ejection happened just a few day later. On Nov 14 in the Minnesota Timberwolves game, Green put Rudy Gobert in a headlock. This third suspension reveals his aggressive pattern, with three suspensions in a matter of few weeks.
Joe Dumars speaks on how the league landed on an "indefinite suspension" for Draymond Green: pic.twitter.com/y5mSO0RgcF
— First Take (@FirstTake) December 14, 2023
Following the latter event, the NBA handed Green a five-game suspension, citing his recurrent violations as a basis for the length of the suspension.
“We need him. We need Draymond. He knows that,” Warriors coach Steve Kerr stated. “We’ve talked to him. He’s got to find a way to keep his poise and be out there for his teammates.”
Jusuf Nurkic, the player that was attacked by Green stated “What’s going on with him? I don’t know. Personally, I feel like that brother needs help.” Nurkic added, “It had nothing to do with basketball. I’m just out there trying to play basketball and they’re swinging.” As a result, Green will have to undergo counseling to address his behavior, if he is to make a come back on the team.
