The NBA has officially reinstated Draymond Green from his 12-game suspension, following an incident where he struck center Jusuf Nurkic during a game against the Phoenix Suns. Green’s return to game action is expected to happen after approximately a week of ramp-up, during which he will be practicing with the Golden State Warriors, as sources told ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. This article will delve into the details of Green’s reinstatement process, the meetings and counseling sessions he underwent, and the impact his return will have on the team.
The NBA reinstated Green after he completed steps that showcased his commitment to conforming his conduct to the league’s expected standards. As mentioned in the league’s statement, Green engaged in meetings with a counselor, in addition to participating in joint sessions with representatives from the NBA, the Warriors, and the National Basketball Players Association. Video calls played a vital role in these group meetings, which also included Green’s agent, Klutch CEO Rich Paul, Warriors GM Mike Dunleavy Jr., and team trainer Rick Celebrini.
In light of a series of on-court incidents involving Green, the league proposed a path towards reinstatement that emphasized counseling. Before the altercation with Nurkic, Green had put Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert in a chokehold. Both the NBA and the Warriors concurred with this approach, recognizing the need for Green to change his behavior both on and off the court. Warriors coach Steve Kerr expressed his belief in Green’s ability to transform, stating, “This is not just about an outburst on the court. It’s about his life. It’s about someone who I believe in, someone I have known for decades, who I love for his loyalty.”
During his suspension, Green had limited contact with Kerr and his teammates. The Warriors understood the significance of providing Green with space to reflect and work on himself, while simultaneously focusing on winning games. Kerr highlighted the importance of this distance, stating, “Space was important for him and us. We’re trying to win games, and he’s trying to put himself in a position to come back.”
While serving his suspension, Green faced financial consequences as he lost just under $2 million. However, the Warriors benefited financially, saving nearly $9 million on their projected luxury tax bill. In terms of on-court performance, the team has maintained a decent record during Green’s absence, winning 7 out of 12 games. Overall, Golden State’s record without Green this season stands at 10-10, while their record with him on the court is 7-8 in the 15 games he has played.
With Green officially back in the mix, the Golden State Warriors are preparing for upcoming matchups against the Toronto Raptors, New Orleans Pelicans, Chicago Bulls, and Milwaukee Bucks. As Green eases back into game action, his presence will undoubtedly have a significant impact on the team’s performance. With his defensive prowess, unmatched intensity, and overall basketball IQ, Green’s return provides a much-needed boost for the Warriors as they strive to climb the ranks in the highly competitive NBA.
Draymond Green’s reinstatement after a 12-game suspension marks a crucial point in his career and the Golden State Warriors’ season. Through counseling and rehabilitation, Green has taken the necessary steps to showcase his commitment to upholding the NBA’s standards of conduct. As he rejoins the team and prepares for upcoming games, Green’s return brings a renewed sense of energy and motivation. Fans and teammates alike eagerly await his impact on the court, hopeful that his presence will help lead the Warriors to success in the seasons to come.
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