After a 12-game suspension, Draymond Green has been reinstated by the NBA, and there are high hopes for his return to the court. While sources have indicated that he will need some time to ramp-up before game action, Green’s commitment to conforming his conduct to the NBA’s standards has been recognized. This article delves into the details of Green’s suspension, his path to reinstatement, and the impact his absence had on the Golden State Warriors.
On December 13, the NBA imposed an indefinite ban on Draymond Green, following an incident where he struck center Jusuf Nurkic during a game against the Phoenix Suns. It was not the first time Green had been involved in on-court altercations, with a previous incident involving Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert also earning him negative attention. The league decided to take a more holistic approach and proposed a path to reinstatement that centered around counseling.
Over the course of Green’s suspension, he actively demonstrated his commitment to change. Meetings were held via video calls involving Green, his agent Klutch CEO Rich Paul, Warriors general manager Mike Dunleavy Jr., and team trainer Rick Celebrini. These meetings, along with counseling sessions, were part of the requirements the NBA had put forth for Green’s reinstatement.
The Golden State Warriors, in alignment with the league’s approach, supported the counseling aspect of Green’s path to reinstatement. While basketball performance is important, Warriors coach Steve Kerr emphasized the significance of Green making necessary personal changes, not just on the court but in his overall conduct. Green’s suspension allowed him space from the team, limiting contact with Kerr and his teammates. This break aimed to give Green time and solitude to reflect on his actions and work towards personal growth.
The absence of Green had undeniable implications for the Warriors. In the 12 games he missed, the team recorded a 7-5 record. Additionally, when Green hasn’t been available (due to injury or suspension), the Warriors have a 10-10 record this season. Without Green’s defensive prowess and vocal leadership on the court, the team faced challenges in maintaining consistency.
Draymond Green’s suspension resulted in a loss of nearly $2 million for him personally. However, the Warriors benefited significantly from his absence, saving approximately $9 million on their projected luxury tax bill. While financial considerations are not the driving force behind the decision-making process, this factor cannot be overlooked in the overall assessment of the situation.
Now that Draymond Green has been reinstated, the Warriors can expect his return to improve their performance. As they host the Toronto Raptors and the New Orleans Pelicans, followed by trips to face the Chicago Bulls and the Milwaukee Bucks, having Green back on the court will provide the team with a much-needed boost. The Warriors hope that his time away has allowed Green to grow and that he can bring his renewed commitment and intensity to the game.
Draymond Green’s reinstatement after a 12-game suspension marks a turning point in both his career and the Golden State Warriors’ season. The counseling sessions and meetings conducted throughout his suspension demonstrate his commitment to making the necessary changes in his conduct. With Green’s return, the Warriors anticipate an improvement in their performance and look forward to capitalizing on their revamped team dynamics. As the NBA season progresses, all eyes will be on Green to see whether he can sustain these positive changes and lead the Warriors to success.