Four Time NBA champion Draymond Green is back from his suspension for striking Jusuf Nurkic in the face on Dec 12. Green’s 12-game suspension for striking Phoenix Suns center Jusuf Nurkic began on 14th December. NBA announced that Green “demonstrated his commitment to conforming his conduct to standards expected of NBA players”.
The Golden States Warrior forward displayed real dedication to conforming his conduct to standards expected by the league and his team. During his span in suspension, he regularly attended counseling sessions and had multiple joint meetings with representatives of the league, the Warriors, and the National Basketball Players Association. These combined efforts are set to continue throughout the entire season as part of ongoing measures to reform conduct issues.
This is not the first time “Draymagic” has faced disciplinary action for “unsportsmanlike behavior”. Green was handed a 5-game suspension after choking Minnesota Timberwolves Rudy Gobert and another five in the 2016 NBA finals for a foul on LeBron James. Draymond Green’s most insane moment was when Green punched his teammate Jordan Poole last year.
Green apologized to Jusuf Nurkic after the game
“I’m not one to apologize for things I meant to do,” Green told reporters following the game. “But I do apologize to Jusuf. Even though I didn’t intend to hit him, I sell calls with my arms. I don’t fall to sell a call. I’m not a flopper. I was just selling the call because he was grabbing and pulling my hip. So, I spun away. And, unfortunately, I hit him. So, I apologize to Jusuf because I didn’t intend to hit him.”
Green’s reinstatement divided social media
Green reinstatement was followed by mixed reactions from fans.