Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green is back in the fold, and his return couldn't have come at a better time.
Green was a full participant in practice Tuesday for the first time since being reinstated from his suspension that forced him to miss 12 games. Upon his return, Warriors teammates greeted him at practice with a round of applause led by rookie Brandin Podziemski.
"It's funny. Coach [Steve Kerr] said, 'Welcome back,’ and [Podziemski] started clapping and everybody started clapping and I'm like, 'I'm not sure I deserve a round of applause,'" Green said, chuckling a bit. "But I'll take it. I'm half-joking, but you don't just get grace and I'll take the time and get back when I can."
"I've cost my team enough."
— Warriors on NBCS (@NBCSWarriors) January 9, 2024
Draymond on the urgency of his impending return pic.twitter.com/r6lsRvqMzS
The Warriors have struggled mightily both with and without Green this season, and are currently sitting in 12th place in the Western Conference with a 17–19 record.
The 12-game penalty for hitting Phoenix Suns center Jusuf Nurkić in the face during Golden State's 119-116 loss on Dec. 12 was Green’s second suspension this season.
Green is eagerly anticipating his return to the court.
"It's urgent from a professional standpoint because I wasn't hurt,” Green said. “At least, my body wasn't hurt. ... It's very urgent because I've cost this team enough. I've cost this organization enough.”
Green is expected to take about a week to get back into game shape, a move he understands is necessary. The Warriors return to the floor Wednesday to host the New Orleans Pelicans at Chase Center.
