Draymond Green has not suited up for the Golden State Warriors since December 12. He is serving an “indefinite” suspension awarded to him by the NBA for his actions during the game against the Phoenix Suns. The 4-time Champion took a wild swing at Suns Center Jusuf Nurkić and knocked him to the ground after making contact with his head. He has missed seven games since, and it is still uncertain when he will return to action.
Most of the NBA World has criticized the veteran Center for his controversial actions. But a former Detroit Pistons legend supported Draymond and showered sympathy on the 4-time All-Star.
Draymond Green garners sympathy from Pistons’ legend
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Detroit Pistons legend John Salley addressed Draymond Green’s indefinite suspension in an interview with TMZ Sports. Although Salley was in favor of the NBA suspending Draymond for punching Nurkic in the face, he did not like the “indefinite” aspect of the punishment. According to Salley, the NBA should have sidelined Draymond for a fixed number of games, but the indefinite suspension adds another layer to his punishment. Salley further appreciated Draymond’s playing style and claimed he would be a great fit on his legendary Pistons team. “I know he wears a Bad Boy T-shirt under his uniform.” Salley said.
John Salley was a part of the iconic Bad Boy Pistons team from 1986 to 1992. The team wreaked havoc on the league with their aggressive style of play. They did whatever they wanted on the court and had only one goal in mind, to win a Championship. The Bad Boy Pistons included John Salley, Joe Dumars, Bill Laimbeer, Dennis Rodman, and Isiah Thomas.
They won back-to-back titles in 1989 and 1990 with their controversial style of play. Draymond Green has a very similar playing style to the legendary Pistons team.
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Draymond Green’s playing style is not fit for this era
There is a huge difference between the NBA today and the NBA in the 90s. What they considered a normal play during the 80s and the 90s will probably lead to an ejection or even suspension in today’s game. The Bad Boy Pistons’ controversial style of play has been well documented in Michael Jordan’s Last Dance documentary. They used any means necessary to stop MJ, even if it meant hurting the 6-time Champion.
Draymond Green has also been an aggressive player throughout his career. But when his antics were helping the Warriors win Championships, no one batted an eye. He was considered the best defender in the league and the voice of the Warriors. But now that the Warriors are struggling to survive, everything Draymond does is taken in a different light.
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It is evident from Draymond’s season that his playing style no longer fits the modern NBA. Draymond needs to make some changes if he wants to help his team win again.
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