A one-sided confrontation with Jusuf Nurkic on Tuesday night led to Draymond Green‘s indefinite suspension from the NBA, a decision taken in light of the Golden State Warriors star’s penchant for unsportsmanlike conduct despite his success as a key cog in the NBA’s most recent dynasty.
While Green‘s actions have wrecked his reputation in some corners of the basketball world, some continue to hold Green in high esteem for his achievements on the hardwood — including four championships and a Defensive Player of the Year honor in 2017. Interestingly, Nurkic — the man whose face met with Green’s hand in Phoenix on Tuesday — remains a fan of the Warriors power forward even after all that has happened.
Nurkic: Lots of respect for an NBA champion
Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Nurkic reiterated his contention that Green needs professional help in order to return to his best on the basketball court. But he also made clear his admiration for the 33-year-old, who would be a surefire Hall of Fame inductee under ordinary circumstances.
Neither Nurkic nor the rest of the NBA is expected to see Green for a while. Before he returns to competitive action, Green must undergo counseling and meet criteria set forth by the Warriors and the NBA. But whenever he come back, Nurkic said he’d be one more supporter.
“It’s kind of sad to see people going in a bad direction,” he said. “I want him to succeed and still be the Draymond we all know. I have no bad feelings or any hate towards him.”
Can Green still succeed in the NBA?
Green, a two-time All-NBA selection, helped transform NBA strategy as a part of the Warriors‘ famed “Death Lineup.” But Golden State might have just had enough of his behavior.
Green has played only 15 games this season, averaging 25 minutes per night — his lowest total since the 2013/14 season, his second in the NBA. What’s more, the Warriors are on course to miss the playoffs for the first time since 2021 despite another brilliant season from Stephen Curry.
If that happens, an organization known for its aggressiveness may not hesitate to find a way out from underneath Green’s cumbersome contract.