Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green has said he had a change of heart regarding retirement after a conversation with NBA Commissioner Adam Silver.
This shift came amid Green's indefinite suspension for striking Phoenix Suns center Jusuf Nurkic in the face on December 12. The incident marked Green's second violent act resulting in a league suspension within a month, extending the ban to 14 games.
Green had just come out of a five-game suspension for grabbing Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert and dragging him across the court in a chokehold on November 14.
Facing the repercussions of his actions, Green contemplated leaving the game altogether, forfeiting the $77.7 million promised by the Warriors over the next three years.
"I told him, 'Adam this is too much for me... This is too much. It's all becoming too much for me — and I'm going to retire’," Green said.
Silver, however, advised against such a hasty decision. He told Green that the star player was "making a very rash decision" and prevented Green from making such a choice. Green then engaged in a lengthy conversation with the NBA commissioner, with the latter offering guidance and support to Green.
"Very thankful to play in a league with a commissioner like Adam who's more about helping you than hurting you; helping you than punishing you. He's more about the players," said Green.
Commitment to growth
Green also reflected on the far-reaching consequences of his recent conduct. Taking accountability for his actions, Green acknowledged the impact on his wife, himself, his mother, his kids, his teammates and even Warriors majority owner Joe Lacob.
Notably, the suspension without pay during his 14-game ban costs him $1.84 million.
"I failed miserably," Green said. He acknowledged that he had mishandled the weight of expectations and responsibilities in his role.
Green went on to recount a visit from coach Steve Kerr following the suspension. He opened up about spending two days in isolation in his “man cave,” intentionally keeping his return home a secret from his children.
Green also admitted to hearing the surrounding chatter labeling him as someone who "needs help" and initially feeling defiant in response. However, a moment of self-reflection led Green to recognize the need for change.
"I made a commitment to myself, the Warriors organization, to the NBA, to my family, to The Volume, to all of my partners that I'm going to listen to what they say, and to make my own decision," he said.
"That means accepting that there's a place for growth. That means accepting that you f***ed up and you're wrong."
Green's return to the court
Following a month of counseling, the NBA officially reinstated Green on Saturday, paving the way for his return to the Warriors. The team currently stands at 17-19, ranking 12th in the competitive Western Conference.
Green is anticipated to rejoin the lineup over the upcoming weekend during the team's road games in Chicago and Milwaukee. His individual performance this season has seen him average 9.7 points, 5.5 rebounds and 5.8 assists over 15 games. In the first season of a lucrative four-year, $100 million contract, his suspension cost him $153,941 for every game missed.
Despite not boasting flashy statistics, Green is considered the linchpin of the Warriors' success. The 33-year-old has played a pivotal role in the league's recent success, contributing to rising ratings and the anticipation of an upcoming record-breaking TV contract. As Green resumes playing, counseling sessions are expected to continue.