Draymond Green Participates in Virtual Meetings to Chart Return

Meetings to Monitor Progress

Draymond Green, the suspended player from the Golden State Warriors, is actively participating in periodic virtual meetings to assess his progress towards being reinstated, sources have revealed. These meetings, which involve team, league, and union officials, play a significant role in evaluating Green's development in combatting the issues that led to multiple altercations with opponents and a former teammate. Green, a four-time champion and two-time All-NBA player, has been described as open and engaged in the aftermath of his indefinite suspension imposed by the league on December 13.

The ongoing sessions include individuals such as Draymond Green's agent, Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul, Warriors general manager Mike Dunleavy Jr., team trainer Rick Celebrini, and representatives from the NBPA and NBA, according to sources.

League and Team Conditions

These virtual meetings are part of the requirements outlined by the NBA for Green's suspension to be lifted after his punch at Phoenix's Jusuf Nurkic on December 12. The NBA, NBPA, the Warriors, and Green himself were all involved in determining the details of this unique and open-ended suspension, although the final decision lies with the league. The suggestion for these meetings was put forth by the NBA following Green's consecutive violent incidents in November against Rudy Gobert of the Minnesota Timberwolves and Nurkic.

While Green is allowed to condition and practice with the Warriors, it is unlikely that he will return to the team facility regularly until early January. Sources indicate that there is a general belief among those involved in the process that his suspension will last for approximately 11 to 13 games, barring any setbacks.

Impact on the Warriors

The Golden State Warriors will be playing their seventh consecutive game without Draymond Green as they face the Denver Nuggets on Monday. During this stretch, the team has achieved five straight victories. Green's absence is due to his suspension.

As part of his four-year, $100 million contract, Green is losing $153,941 for each game he is suspended. After the first five games of the suspension, Green became eligible to be moved to the suspended list, allowing the Warriors to sign a replacement player. However, the team has not shown any inclination to take this step.

Draymond Green, alongside Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson, has been a key player for the Warriors' success, contributing to their dynastic run in recent years. He has earned All-NBA honors and was named the Defensive Player of the Year in 2017.