Amid Concerns Over Player Safety, Should the NBA Allow Draymond Green to Play Ever Again?

Draymond Green has always been a player who has straddled a fine line between tenacity and outright dangerous play. This characteristic has shaped his NBA legacy, endearing him to Warriors fans who appreciate him for his tenacity and leadership. However, in recent seasons, Draymond has crossed the line on multiple occasions. Last season, Draymond punched his teammate Jordan Poole, which created a tense environment within the Warriors camp. The tense atmosphere within the Dubs’ team significantly contributed to the Warriors’ underwhelming postseason performance last year.

This season, Draymond has continued his unsportsmanlike antics. In just 25 games, he has been suspended twice. The NBA handed a five-game suspension to Green for choking Rudy Gobert in November. Despite it all, Draymond Green appears to have not learned from the experience, as he finds himself suspended once again. This time, the forward punched the Suns’ center, Jusuf Nurkić. He has been suspended indefinitely by the NBA as a result of his continuous misdemeanors. His suspension is the first of its kind and has also led to a conversation about player safety, and whether Draymond should be allowed back into the NBA.

Is Draymond being dealt a heavy hand?

Draymond Green received a flagrant 2 foul and ejection after he punched Jusuf Nurkić in the face. This was Green’s 18th ejection in his career, most by an active player. The Warriors eventually lost to the Phoenix Suns with a score of 116-119. Following the match, Suns’ center Nurkic joked about the incident. He said, “What’s going on with him, I don’t know. Personally, I feel like that brother needs help. I’m glad he didn’t try to choke me.” 

However, the NBA didn’t find it funny, as they handed Green an indefinite suspension due to unsportsmanlike conduct. In an official statement, the NBA stated, “He will be required to meet certain league and team conditions before he returns to play.” Many people have felt that this kind of suspension was long overdue because of Green’s antics in the past. However, some people feel the suspension is too harsh. But his suspension has also sparked a debate about player safety. Some have even suggested that Draymond should be banned permanently from playing in the NBA.

However, this perspective seems quite radical, considering that some players have committed more egregious offenses and escaped suspension. But having said that, Draymond deserves his indefinite suspension. For far too long, the Warriors have left his offenses unpunished. He needs to clean up his act if he wants to play in the league again this season. But knowing Draymond’s track record, will he ever change his way of playing the game?

Draymond Green’s previous controversies

Over his career, Draymond Green has garnered a reputation for his antics. His numerous suspensions and technicals more often than not overshadow his brilliance as a playmaker and a leader. During his career, Green has been suspended six times. Green has lost approximately $2.5 million in fines due to his numerous suspensions. His first suspension, in 2016, even cost the Warriors an NBA title. Draymond missed the crucial game 5 of the 2016 finals because of hitting LeBron in the groin in game 4. In Green’s absence, the Cavaliers rallied and secured the historic title.

The Warriors have suspended green on one occasion. In 2018, Green argued with star player Kevin Durant in a nationally televised game. The Warriors suspended him for one game without pay for “conduct detrimental to the team”. In the 2022-23 pre-season, Green punched teammate Jordan Poole, leading to the Dubs imposing fines on Green but opting against a suspension.

Apart from his suspensions, Green has had numerous controversial moments in his NBA career. He has kicked Steven Adams in the groin twice and elbowed Blake Griffin in 2013. He has fought with opposing players on multiple occasions. However, despite his violent tendencies, Green has been an integral part of the Warriors dynasty. Now, with him suspended indefinitely, doubts arise about Dubnation’s hopes for this season.

How will the Warriors fill the Draymond-shaped hole?

The Warriors have struggled this season. They have failed to meet their lofty pre-season expectations and currently occupy the 11th spot in the Western Conference standings with 11 wins and 14 losses. Draymond Green’s indefinite suspension has further compounded their misery. Despite his antics, Green provided much-needed playmaking, leadership, and defense to the Warriors. Now, many fans are left questioning: Who will step up to replace Draymond in the Warriors’ rotation?

The Athletics’ Shams Charania may have provided a hint about the matter. During a conversation on FanDuel’s Run It Back, Shams suggested that Kuminga might replace Green. He said, “You have to make the best decision for the organization, and that means going with Jonathan Kuminga moving forward.” 

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The Warriors have a bevy of talented young players like Kuminga, Moses Moody, and Brandin Podziemski. However, replacing a player of Draymond’s stature is a big ask. Kuminga has shown flashes of brilliance, but now he must perform with consistency. With Draymond being suspended and Klay Thompson having his worst season to date, are we witnessing the beginning of the end of the Warriors dynasty? Or will the Dubs bounce back for one ‘Last Dance’? Let us know in the comments below!

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