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USA Today via Reuters

USA Today via Reuters

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.

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.

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.

Watch This Story – Has Stephen Curry Won His Last Championship With Warriors Amid Serious Concerns Over Draymond Green and Klay Thompson’s Future?