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Summary
- NBA lifts indefinite suspension ban from Draymond Green
- Green happy to be back with the Warriors and says he took suspension the right way
- Coach Steve Kerr says Green knows that his career is now on the line
The NBA hit Draymond Green with an indefinite suspension on Dec 13 after the power forward punched Jusuf Nurkić (Phoenix Suns) in the face.
This was the latest incident in a string of antics from the 33-year-old who has played for the Golden State Warriors for over a decade.
NBA Lifts Indefinite Suspension Ban
Since being suspended the Warriors have struggled and have gone 7-5 as Green’s presence was definitely missed as he has been a key member of the Warriors. The NBA lifted its indefinite suspension ban on Green and has allowed him to return and train with the team.
Green was suspended for a total of 12 games and has reportedly lost close to $2 million during his suspension. However, from his remarks, Green appears to have taken the suspension in the right way and has used the time-off to take therapy and work on himself to ensure that he does not engage in any more crazy antics on or off the courts.
Green admitted that early on in the suspension he contemplated retiring from the NBA but was talked out of retirement by NBA Commissioner Adam Silver.
Steve Kerr Says Green Knows This Is His Last Chance
Warriors head coach Steve Kerr has worked closely with Green over the last decade and has a close relationship with him. Kerr said that soon after the indefinite suspension, he met with Green and had a lengthy and open two-hour conversation to figure things out.
In a statement, Kerr said
I think Draymond knows his career is on the line. It really is! Based on what’s happened over the last year, based on the recent suspension, based on everything that’s gone on — I think he recognizes that it is different this time. This wasn’t a suspension for getting too many technicals. This wasn’t a suspension for one Flagrant foul. This was different. This really put him on notice. He’s put himself on notice. That’s what makes this different. And that’s why his response has to be what it’s got to be.
