The NBA recently brought back Draymond Green. The longtime Warriors forward has been away from the team in recent weeks after being suspended indefinitely.
Suspensions are usually seen as punishment for a specific player's actions, but in Green's case it appears to have been the exact opposite. Greene said at a news conference Tuesday that his candor about the counseling he received during his suspension allowed him to see it as a blessing in disguise.
Green specifically expressed his gratitude for the league's decision to make the suspension “indefinite.”
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Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green reacts during the NBA Finals against the Celtics on June 10, 2022 in Boston. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
“It's not necessarily a matter of time, but indefinitely, I don't know what that means,” Green explained in his first public comments since the NBA suspended him. “Maybe…it's anyone's guess, but it's indefinite. Like I said, it'll give me time to sort through those thoughts. I’m also grateful to the league.”
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Shortly after the suspension was announced, the league issued a statement stating that Green intended to take the necessary steps to address his actions.
“Green has completed steps demonstrating his commitment to conforming his conduct to the standards expected of NBA players,” the league said in a statement. “He has met with a counselor and has had multiple joint meetings with representatives from the NBA, the Warriors, and the National Basketball Players Association, both of which are expected to continue throughout the season.”
Green also explained his appreciation for the uncertain schedule.
“You know why? Because I didn't have a goal of coming back. It wasn't like, 'Okay, I'm going to try and get through these five games, and as soon as those five games are over, I'm going to come back.'
Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green trots off the court after being ejected during a game against the Suns in Phoenix on December 12, 2023. (AP Photo/Rick Scutelli)
Last month, ESPN reported that Green was attending virtual meetings with team officials, the players' association and NBA representatives to track his progress toward a return.
Green is represented by the founder of Klutch Sports rich paul. He, a prominent sports agent, and Warriors general manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. are also believed to be part of the group that took part in the meeting.
Draymond Green of the Golden State Warriors carries the ball up the court during a game against the Grizzlies at FedExForum on March 18, 2023 in Memphis. (Justin Ford/Getty Images)
Green signed a four-year contract extension with the Warriors in late June. He was named the NBA's Defensive Player of the Year in 2017 and has long been considered a key player in the Warriors' dynasty that produced four NBA titles.
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According to ESPN, Green lost just under $2 million in wages while serving his suspension. Green State went 7-5 in Green's absence. He plans to continue increasing his workload as he prepares to return to the court.
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