Draymond Green finally got the green light from the NBA to suit up for the Golden State Warriors last week. Even though he was eligible to play against the Toronto Raptors on Sunday, the Warriors decided to sit Green out to get him back in game shape. Draymond has missed more games than he has played this season because of the constant barrage of controversies around him. It has been difficult for the 33-year-old to let go of his on-court antics that have gotten him into trouble.
A former NBA Champion who was also the co-conspirator of one of the most controversial moments in NBA history, Malice at the Palace, had a special message for Draymond Green amid his return from suspension.
Controversial NBA legend’s wise words for Draymond Green
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NBA legend Metta Sandirord-Artest was a guest on SiriusXM radio where he addressed Draymond Green’s controversial season and his return from suspension. Being one of the most controversial players in league history himself, Artest had some wise words for the Warriors Center. “I don’t think it’s time for him to retire.” The legend said. According to Artest, Draymond is an elite winner, and many people look up to him. He needs to be comfortable in the final chapter of his career and be a role model for the young players around him. “Nobody wants beef with Draymond.” Artest added.
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Speaking from experience, Artest claimed that Draymond was bothered by not being as good as he was during the Warriors’ Championship runs. Green’s career has been on the decline because of his age, which is a natural process. Father Time is unbeaten, and every player has to deal with that reality.
And Artest is the perfect person to advise Draymond because he turned his career around after being part of one of the most controversial moments in NBA history.
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Malice at the Palace
On November 19, 2004, Metta Sandiford-Artest’s career changed forever. He was a part of the Indiana Pacers at the time and going head-to-head against the Detroit Pistons. With just 46 seconds remaining in the game, Artest fouled Pistons player Ben Wallace. Wallace retaliated with a shove, leading to a confrontation among players on the court. Artest walked away from the fight and lay on the scorer’s table to cool off. A Pistons fan threw a drink at Artest while he was on the table.
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That is when all hell broke loose. Artest ran into the crowd, followed by his teammate Stephen Jackson, and started swinging at the fans. It led to one of the biggest brawls in NBA history, and the game was called off. Artest got suspended for the remainder of the season after Malice at the Palace. But he turned his career around and won a Championship with the Lakers six years later.
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