There’s an “expectation” that Draymond Green will not take the floor again for the Warriors until at least early 2024, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski said on Friday during an appearance on NBA Countdown (YouTube link). While there isn’t a definitive timeline, if Green would miss at least nine games if he doesn’t play until 2024. He was suspended by the league indefinitely after striking Suns center Jusuf Nurkic in the face during a Dec. 12 matchup.
Green missed five games earlier this season due to a suspension following an on-court incident with Rudy Gobert. Wojnarowski thinks that Green’s current absence could be approximately double the amount of games he received for the Gobert altercation.
The Warriors are currently on a three-game losing streak and have dropped 12 of their last 16. Because of their lackluster start to the season and the loss of Green, it’s possible Golden State looks to make additions via trade. Wojnarowski said a handful of decision-makers have already called Warriors general manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. in the past few days. While it’s unclear what Golden State’s exact plans are, Wojnarowksi points out that the team is likely to be open to moves as they continue to try and piece together a championship-caliber team around Stephen Curry.
Wojnarowski envisions “difficult decisions” for Dunleavy and the Warriors as they approach the deadline, with several veterans not producing to their standards.
Green is averaging 9.7 points, 5.8 assists and 5.5 rebounds in 15 games this season. The Warriors are 10-14 and currently sit at 11th in the Western Conference.
We have more on Green:
- Warriors head coach Steve Kerr said the NBA’s indefinite suspension of Green “makes sense,” according to The Athletic’s Anthony Slater, and that it gives Green an opportunity to reflect and change his approach. “This is about someone I believe in, someone I’ve known for a decade, someone who I love for his loyalty, his commitment, his passion, his love for his teammates, friends, his family. Trying to help that guy,” Kerr said. “Because the one who grabbed Rudy, choked Rudy, the one who took a wild flail at Jusuf, the one who punched Jordan [Poole] last year, that’s the guy who has to change and he knows that.“
- The Warriors made it clear they’re still supporting Green in the wake of the suspension. Sportsnaut’s Mark Medina explores why, writing that he believes it’s easier for the Warriors to strengthen an existing, if awkward, relationship as opposed to ending it early. Medina writes that Green is still playing at a high level and the franchise needs to make sure they’re helping him deal with whatever he’s going through, though Green needs to do better. “Championships are at stake in terms of us being a contender, a realistic contender or even just us being a good team,” Curry said. “He’s a part of that.“
- For his part, Green has accepted this suspension and apologized to Nurkic after the altercation. It isn’t the first time this season Green’s had to reflect on an on-court incident, and according to ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne, Green spoke to Curry following the incident with Gobert. According to Shelburne, Green said he lost his sense of time and place in that fight. “When I watched it back, I said, ‘Damn, I held [Gobert] much longer than I realized in that moment,’” Green said. “But the reality is, in those moments, you don’t know what time is. You don’t have a sense of time.“
Steve Kerr: “… his love for his teammates …”
Jordan Poole: o_0
Love comes in many forms.
Hugs
High fives
Punches to the face.
Think that last one is “tough love”.
The sport writers are going to beat the dead horse for a long time on this story. Nobody expects him to be back before the year is up. When he does come back all eyes will be upon him for anything he does. He needs to chill and expect the Refs and other players pick on him. until he understands he has a bullseye on his back he will keep getting in trouble.
Change of scenario is the best solution for everyone.
I was thinking the same thing too.
Yeah, San Quentin.
Hopefully Detroit will trade for him. He needs a new environment. GSW needs to tear down. There run is over!
I could see that happening. Not sure what the Pistons would give up for him.
James Wiseman
been there done that. Bagley jr and Wiseman plus a 2nd rounder for Green.
I laugh every time I see that suggestion. That would be priceless.
when did somebody make that suggestion before?
The risks outweigh the rewards on this one. Time to move on.
9 games seems very short for a serial abuser.
How about doing the right thing and have him come back in 2025 . Draymond is a spoiled thug!
I totally agree. He’s a thug that is now past his prime (along with several others on that team. ESPN… It’s over in GS!) and needs to be shown the door before someone gets hurt or even arrested. The NBA needs to come down hard on him or you’ll see more of these type issues going forward.
“The Warriors made it clear they’re still supporting Green in the wake of the suspension. Sportsnaut’s Mark Medina explores why, writing that he believes it’s easier for the Warriors to strengthen an existing, if awkward, relationship as opposed to ending it early.”
Well if that’s the case nba needs to start docking the warriors draft picks. Every incident pushes their picks pushed back 5 or 10 slots when green acts up
SMH The Warriors already traded away 2 of their first round picks in the future. Also of note they are stuck with Green’s contract so you are suggesting eating the $100 million left on the contract? that is not smart. If Green has another incident NBA will suspend him for a long time probably 30 games plus next time.
Nobody forced warriors to sign him to that deal.
Nba suspends him and warriors get penalized for continued behavior by one of their own. Tough $h!+ really.
The fact their contract doesn’t include behavior language was a serious lack of self awareness by the warriors. Theyre responsible for draymond long as he is wearing their uniform. And should be given consequences as well as draymond.
Warriors are getting a lot of money back while he is suspended. Because it saves on their tax cap balance they save over $500,000 every game he misses.
So should teams be penalized if a player flops? How about they lose a draft pick if a player flops. Lose a draft pick position for every T their player gets? Sounds to me you just hate the warriors and just trying to bash them.
What’s going to end up happening if he continues is another Rudy Tomjanovich issue where Draymond will end up charged with a crime and he or the Dubs will be sued for a player losing their career.
I mean early 2024 is in 14 days, so yeah I hope it’s not early 2024.
People don’t change in days or weeks. They change in months and more likely years.
The league should be talking in terms of next season not next month if they’re serious at all about making the situation right going forward
The proof for the outsider may take months or years but I firmly believe a change can happen overnight.
Sometimes we realize and go cold turkey with things in life whether it’s a bad habit like smoking or drinking or maybe a toxic relationship.
The light turns on and the change is made. That’s the hope for Draymond Green here. That the light comes on and the change is made.
Fans may want to see proof over months and years and that’s understandable. As an NBA fan, warrior fan and a Draymond Green fan I certainly hope for the best.
“He lost his sense of time and place.” Dude take some responsibility or just keep your mouth shut. Not sure how anyone can root for this guy.