NBA Reinstates Draymond Green after 12-Game Suspension
Draymond Green has been reinstated by the NBA after serving a 12-game suspension.
Green Returns to Warriors After Suspension
Draymond Green has been reinstated by the NBA after serving a 12-game suspension, according to sources. The Golden State Warriors forward is expected to need approximately a week of ramp-up before returning to game action. Green will rejoin the Warriors' practice facility on Sunday after being away from the team during his suspension.
The suspension was handed to Green on December 14 for striking Phoenix Suns center Jusuf Nurkic during a game. Since then, Green has engaged in meetings with a counselor and with representatives of the NBA, the Warriors, and the National Basketball Players Association. These meetings, along with other conditions set by the league, were part of the process for Green's reinstatement.
The Path to Reinstatement
The NBA proposed counseling as a path towards Green's reinstatement due to his on-court incidents. Prior to the incident with Nurkic, Green had put Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert in a chokehold in mid-November. Group meetings were held over video calls, involving Green's agent, the Warriors' general manager, and the team trainer. The league and the Warriors agreed with this approach.
Warriors coach Steve Kerr emphasized the importance of Green changing his behavior, stating that it's not just about on-court outbursts but about his life as well. While serving his suspension, Green had limited contact with Kerr and his teammates to give him space.
Impact on the Warriors
During Green's suspension, the Warriors went 7-5. Overall, the team is 10-10 this season without Green and 7-8 in the 15 games he has played. Green's suspension also resulted in saving the team nearly $9 million on their projected luxury tax bill.
Moving forward, the Warriors will face the Raptors and the Pelicans at home, and then travel to play the Bulls and the Bucks over the next week. With Green's return, the team hopes to continue their success on the court.
