The Golden State Warriors, along with their loyal fans, have been left stunned by the unexpected turn of events this season. The combination of consecutive losses, injuries to key players, and now the suspension of Draymond Green has proven to be a significant hindrance for the Bay Area team.
Draymond Green’s absence on the court has been a big part of the Warrior’s bad run of form, and supporters are now left wondering how long this suspension may last and what impact it will have on the team’s future performances.
How long will Draymond Green be potentially suspended?
Draymond Green, the star player of the Golden State Warriors, is currently serving his second suspension of the season following his on-court incidents.
The NBA has suspended him indefinitely after a flagrant foul on Suns center Jusuf Nurkic. Previously, Green was suspended for five games in November for putting the Timberwolves’ Rudy Gobert in a chokehold. With two suspensions within a month, the league has taken severe action against Green.
Although the suspension is indefinite, there are some details about his potential return. According to reports, Green will continue to practice with the team during his suspension. However, he will not receive any salary during this time. It has been reported that Green has also started counseling as part of his disciplinary actions. He is expected to remain suspended for at least the next three weeks, as reported by multiple sources.
Assuming the suspension lasts the full three weeks for his unsportsmanlike displays, Green’s first possible game back would be on January 10 against the Pelicans. However, it remains to be seen if he will be reinstated for that game. With 13 missed games up to that point, Green’s absence has had an impact on the Warriors’ performance.
In the games he has played this season, Green has been a crucial contributor, averaging 9.7 points, 5.8 assists, and 5.5 rebounds per game. Fans and teammates will undoubtedly be eager to have him back on the court. But his return will be a needed one, as even former players have given their point of view on the ‘recklessness’ of Draymond Green.
Udonis Haslem goes off on Draymond Green
Udonis Haslem, the longtime Miami Heat player and NBA veteran, recently expressed his strong condemnation of Draymond Green’s actions on his podcast, “Playmaker.”
Haslem called out Green for his consistent pattern of taking cheap shots at fellow players, highlighting Green’s recent incident that led to an indefinite suspension for striking Jusuf Nurkic in the face.
Haslem didn’t mince words, describing Green as being “out of pocket” and labeling him a punk for deliberately targeting players who are unlikely to retaliate. “You’re out of pocket. I f— with Draymond, man. There’s only so many warriors in this league, guys that are going to take that tech, going to take that foul, and protect their teammates,” Udonis said.
The Miami Heat veteran spoke highly of players who willingly take technical fouls and protect their teammates, contrasting them with Green’s antics.
“People think he’s crazy. I think he’s smart. Because he knows who he’s [messing] with,” Haslem added. “He choked out [Rudy] Gobert, he hit Nurkic. He’s [messing with] people who really aren’t going to do nothing back.” Udonis added.
Noteworthy incidents mentioned by Haslem include Green choking Rudy Gobert, hitting Nurkic, stomping on Domantas Sabonis during the 2022–23 postseason, kicking opponents below the waist, and even punching former teammate Jordan Poole in the face. In Haslem’s view, Green’s behavior indicates a lack of respect for his fellow players and a calculated approach to picking fights with individuals who won’t fight back.
While it is unclear whether Green will respond to Haslem’s criticisms or whether the NBA will take further action against his behavior, the Warriors’ fans are clamoring for a response on the court in the hopes that they can resume their winning ways.
