Steve Kerr just announced the addition of a formidable new talent to further strengthen his team’s attack.
Following a 12-game ban, Draymond Green, a forward for the Golden State Warriors, was reinstated, the National Basketball Association announced on Saturday.
On December 12, Green was dismissed from a 119-116 loss to the Phoenix Suns after he spun around and hit center Jusuf Nurkić in the face with his right arm, causing him to fall to the floor.
In the aftermath, Green said, “I am not one to apologize for things I mean to do, but I do apologize to Jusuf because I didn’t intend to hit him.” Green had claimed at the time that the hit on the Suns big man was an accident. He was grabbing me and yanking my hip, so I was just selling the call. As I spun away, I regrettably smacked him.
However, starting on December 14, the NBA suspended Green indefinitely “[taking] into account Green’s repeated history of unsportsmanlike acts.”
The 33-year-old was suspended for the second time this season after putting Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert in a headlock during a fight in November. He previously missed five games.
December 12, 2023, Phoenix, AZ, USA During the third quarter at Footprint Center, Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) reacts after center Jusuf Nurkic (20) of the Phoenix Suns was called for a foul. Unavoidable Credit: USA TODAY Sports/Mark J. Rebilas
After swinging his arms, Green struck Phoenix Suns center Jusuf Nurkić in the face while he was on the ground, earning him an indefinite suspension.
Reuters/Mark J. Rebilas/USA Today Sports
Green was mandated to “meet certain league and team conditions before he returns to play” as part of his most recent suspension.
Green will continue to meet with representatives from the league, the Warriors, and the Players Association during the season, according to the NBA, in addition to his previous discussions with a counselor.
Although Green will likely need some time to regain game-level conditioning before making a comeback, the Warriors are happy that the suspension has been lifted.
On Friday night, after a close victory over the Detroit Pistons, 12-time All-Star guard Chris Paul suffered a fracture to his left hand, causing a significant blow to Golden State’s squad.
The return of a starter in Green will be a small comfort for head coach Steve Kerr as he looks to lift the team out of its funk and back above.500 for the season, as Paul will be sidelined for an extended period of time due to surgery this week.
The Toronto Raptors (14-21) and the Warriors (17-18) will play at home on Sunday.
