Draymond Green has dominated recent headlines, but not for any of the Golden State Warriors’ triumphant runs or exceptional stretches. Instead, the buzz centers around his recent altercation with Rudy Gobert; specifically about Green head-locking the big man and dragging him on the court. As the moment occurred, severe consequences for Green were guaranteed. As a result, the league handed Draymond a 5-game suspension.
Despite the league’s perspective on Green’s actions, there is a spectrum of opinions about the incident among fans and even from athletes in the league. Many align with the league, asserting that Green crossed a line. However, a contingent also believes that Green’s actions were valid and justified, putting him in a heroic light.
Draymond Green will not change his ways
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After his controversial ejection and suspension, there were expectations that Draymond Green would reform his behavior on the court. However, he has alternative intentions. Draymond asserted that, for whatever he had done before, the NBA had made it clear that it was “going to hold everything against” him. He boldly declared that he would consider mending ways only when those in his franchise circle believed it was necessary. He reportedly also added that he would not change the way he plays basketball and would always defend his teammates.
Green: “(The league) made it clear the’re going to hold everythig against me that I’ve done before. That’s OK. I need to adjust where I see fit, my teammates see fit, my coaches see fit, our front office sees fit … When I hear them say something, it means something to me.”
— Kendra Andrews (@kendra__andrews) November 26, 2023
In his first press conference after suspension, Green declared that he would remain unchanged on the court. However, amidst the claim, he exuded a genuine eagerness to evolve; to stay in an assisting position for his teammates on the court.
Speaking with reporters for the first time since his suspension, Draymond Green says he will never change the way he plays basketball and will always defend his teammates, but he has to grow to ensure he stays on the court to help his team. He didn’t say he regrets his actions.
— Kendra Andrews (@kendra__andrews) November 26, 2023
Green justified his actions by emphasizing a commitment to protect his teammates. At the moment of Green’s unsportsmanlike behavior, Gobert had his arms around Klay Thompson. However, it did not indicate that Gobert had any intentions of causing harm to Klay.
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Read More – Pinpointing “Wild” Ausar Thompson Stats, Draymond Green Calls Out Fans’ Ignorance
Shaquille O’Neal sides with Green
Shaquille O’Neal is one of the NBA’s most substantial and dominant figures. Even in the modern and evolved days of basketball, he remains unparalleled in size and dominance on the court. In a recent discussion about Green’s actions, Shaq asserted that he would have done the same if he were in Green’s position. However, he admitted that it would have warranted him a serious punishment from the league, due to the nature of the act.
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On the other hand, Warriors’ coach Steve Kerr thinks that Green’s actions were “dirty” and uncalled for. Furthermore, he also abided by the league’s decision for his star player. The incident marks Green’s fifth suspension in his ongoing career.
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