Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green returned to the court on Monday after serving a 16-game suspension due to his history of misconduct. The suspension was a result of an incident during a game on December 12th when Green struck Phoenix Suns center Jusuf Nurkic in the face.
Although Green did not start the game, he entered the court with 6 minutes and 10 seconds remaining in the first quarter. However, his appearance was met with a chorus of boos from the Memphis crowd. It should be noted that the attendance was lower than usual due to adverse weather conditions, including heavy snowfall and freezing temperatures.
This marked Green's first game since the incident with Nurkic that resulted in a Flagrant 2 foul and his ejection from the game. The NBA subsequently issued an indefinite suspension to Green on December 14th, citing his 'repeated history of unsportsmanlike acts.' Green's ejection for striking Nurkic was his 18th, the highest among all NBA players.
Earlier in the season, Green served a five-game suspension for putting Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert in a headlock. These recurring incidents prompted questions about Green's impact on the team. Warriors coach Steve Kerr acknowledged that the team missed Green's defensive communication and leadership on the court. According to Kerr, Green is the emotional leader who brings the necessary fire and energy to the team, particularly because the Warriors have a relatively quiet roster.
While Green was reinstated by the league on January 3rd, he did not make his return until the game in Memphis against the Grizzlies, as part of the annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebration. During Green's absence, the Warriors managed an 8-8 record, highlighting his significance to the team.
The 6-foot-6 forward, known for his versatility, averages 9.7 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 5.8 assists per game. Prior to his return, Green engaged in counseling sessions and met with representatives from the league, the Warriors organization, and the National Basketball Players Association. The league stated that Green demonstrated a commitment to conforming his conduct to the expected standards for NBA players.
With Green finally back on the court, the Warriors hope to regain their defensive solidarity and leadership. As they continue their season, it remains to be seen whether Green's suspension will have a lasting impact on the team's performance.
