Steve Kerr: Giving Draymond Green space 'important' during suspension
The NBA indefinitely suspended Draymond Green 3 weeks ago after ejecting him for striking Suns center Jusuf Nurkic in the face.
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Golden State coach Steve Kerr didn’t confirm a report Thursday that suspended forward Draymond Green is expected to return to the team’s facility soon, while noting that giving Green space away from the team is important for both parties.
According to ESPN, Green is anticipated to rejoin the Warriors’ facility in the upcoming days.
“Apparently someone else does, but I don’t know that,” Kerr stated.
Three weeks ago, the NBA indefinitely suspended Green after he hit Jusuf Nurkic, the center for the Phoenix Suns, in the face during a jostle for position, leading to his ejection.
“Kerr clarified on Thursday, prior to the Warriors’ match against Denver, that Draymond’s situation was neither a sprained ankle nor a twisted knee. He emphasized that Draymond was seeking assistance for his issue, and that providing him with necessary space was crucial for both his recovery and the team’s success. He indicated that while the team was focused on winning games, Draymond was working on getting himself ready for a comeback.”
Kerr stated that Green’s absence from the facility during his suspension is not an issue.
“Kerr said, “We discussed it and decided that was the best way to go.”
The league, while announcing the penalty, clarified that this was Green’s second suspension of the season. They added that before Green can return to play, he must satisfy specific league and team conditions. The indefinite suspension reflects Green’s ongoing history of unsportsmanlike conduct, the league explained.
Earlier this season, Green was given a five-game suspension after he placed Minnesota center Rudy Gobert in a headlock during a game in November.
In June, 33-year-old Green was given a four-year contract extension worth $100 million. However, he was suspended for a game in the previous postseason for stepping on Domantas Sabonis’s chest during the second game of the first round series against Sacramento.
