Draymond Green Returns to Golden State Warriors after Suspension

Monday, January 8, 2024 Sport Basketball

Draymond Green has returned to the Golden State Warriors after serving a suspension that lasted 12 games. Coach Steve Kerr expressed excitement about Green's return and said it brings a positive atmosphere to the team.

Draymond Green back with Warriors after reinstatement

Golden State forward Draymond Green participated in the Warriors' walk-through Sunday and sat on the bench as he returned to the team facilities for the first time since his indefinite suspension.

Green was reinstated by the league on Saturday from a suspension that lasted 12 games. The NBA announced an indefinite ban for Green on Dec. 13, one day after he struck center Jusuf Nurkic during a game against the Phoenix Suns.

"Everybody is excited to see him," coach Steve Kerr said Sunday ahead of Golden State's game against the Toronto Raptors. "He's one of our leaders and he's happy to be back. So it's a good vibe."

Green expected to need approximately one week before returning to game play

Green, 33, was on the bench during Sunday's game, involved in the huddles during timeouts. The Warriors lost to the Raptors 133-118.

Green is expected to need approximately one week to ramp up before returning to game play, sources told ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski on Saturday.

The Warriors have a back-to-back on the road against the Chicago Bulls (Friday) and Milwaukee Bucks (Saturday) before traveling to Memphis for a game against the Grizzlies on Monday.

"He'll work with [trainer] Rick [Celebrini] every day," Kerr said Sunday. "Get lots of shots up, scrimmage, but I have no idea when all of that will be."