Draymond Green of the Golden State Warriors has been reinstated by the NBA, making him eligible to resume playing, as announced by the league on Saturday.
The NBA had initially suspended Green indefinitely on December 13 for “striking Phoenix Suns center Jusuf Nurkić in the face” during a game the previous day. Before his return, Green had to fulfill conditions set by both the league and the team.
A news release from the NBA stated, “During the period of his suspension, which began on Dec. 14 and resulted in him missing 12 games, Green completed steps that demonstrated his commitment to conforming his conduct to standards expected of NBA players.” The release also mentioned his engagement in counseling sessions and joint meetings with representatives from the NBA, the Warriors, and the National Basketball Players Association, which will continue throughout the season.
In Green’s absence, the Warriors posted a 7-5 record, bringing their overall record to 17-18 and placing them in 10th position in the Western Conference.
The suspension without pay cost Green $1.84 million. Although the Warriors have upcoming games against Toronto on Sunday and New Orleans on Wednesday, no decision has been made regarding Green’s return.
This recent suspension on December 13 occurred just six games after Green served a five-game suspension without pay in November for “escalating an on-court altercation and forcibly grabbing Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert around the neck in an unsportsmanlike and dangerous manner.”
December’s indefinite suspension marked Green’s fourth since March, including a one-game suspension during the playoffs against Sacramento in April.
In the current season, Green, who signed a four-year, $100 million contract with the Warriors in the offseason, has been averaging 9.7 points, 5.8 assists, and 5.5 rebounds, with shooting percentages of 49% from the field and 42.9% on 3-pointers. Notably, Green is a four-time NBA champion, four-time All-Star, two-time All-NBA selection, eight-time All-Defense performer, and the 2016-17 Defensive Player of the Year.
This means that Draymond has a lot riding on this redemption. He needs to create a better image for himself so that he can save his legacy.
