The NBA has suspended Golden State Warriors star Draymond Green indefinitely after a flagrant foul two during Tuesday night's game against the Phoenix Suns.
Green spun and struck Jusuf Nurkić on the left side of his face with the side of his right hand in the third quarter. The impact left Nurkić in visible pain, leading to Green subsequently being ejected from the game.
According to a statement from the NBA, the Warriors forward must fulfill certain league and team conditions before being reinstated to play.
"As you know, I am not one to apologize for things I mean to do, but I do apologize to Jusuf because I didn't intend to hit him," said Green after the game.
“I sell calls with my arms. I don't fall to sell a call. I'm not a flopper. So I was just selling the call 'cause he was grabbing me and pulling my hip back. So, I spun away and unfortunately, I hit him.”
Standing at 6-foot-6 and weighing 230 pounds, Green is widely regarded as one of the most tenacious players in the NBA. Despite playing only 17 minutes against the Suns, Green managed to contribute two points, two rebounds and two assists but also incurred three turnovers.
This suspension comes at a challenging time for the Warriors, who are currently sitting at 10-13 and 11th in the Western Conference. The absence of Green's playmaking skills could pose a significant setback for the struggling team.
According to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, a meeting is scheduled for Thursday involving Green, Warriors GM Mike Dunleavy Jr. and Green's agent Rich Paul of Klutch Sports to discuss a counseling and support path for Green's future progress.
Green's suspension track record
The suspension for Tuesday's game marks the sixth suspension for Green throughout his career, adding to his history of on-court altercations and disciplinary actions. Green's past transgressions include a notable October 2022 practice incident where he chest-bumped teammate Jordan Poole.
The situation escalated when Green punched Poole in the face, knocking him into a wall and attempting to continue the attack. Although he was fined by the Warriors, Green faced no suspension and the NBA did not take any action.
He even secured a four-year, $100 million contract after the season and refused to reconcile with Poole, who was later traded in July this year.
Green's suspension count includes a pivotal moment in the 2016 NBA Finals when he punched LeBron James in the groin during Game 4. The Warriors, leading 3-1 in the series, lost Game 5, contributing to the Cleveland Cavaliers' seven-game comeback. Green's history also involves kicking Oklahoma Thunder center Steven Adams in the groin during that playoff run.
In 2018, Green had a sideline and locker room confrontation with Kevin Durant, resulting in a one-game suspension. The incident played a role in Durant's decision to leave the Warriors after the season.
In March 2023, Green surpassed the NBA's technical foul limit. Later, during the playoffs' first round, Green stepped on the chest of Sacramento Kings center Domantas Sabonis.
A more recent incident occurred a month ago when Green intervened in a midcourt tussle with the Minnesota Timberwolves before either team had scored. He put Rudy Gobert in a chokehold for a full 10 seconds, resulting in a five-game suspension for the four-time NBA champion.