Draymond Green Reinstated After 12-Game Suspension

Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green has been reinstated by the National Basketball Association (NBA) after serving a 12-game suspension. The suspension was issued following an incident on December 12 when Green was ejected from a game against the Phoenix Suns for striking center Jusuf Nurkić in the face with his right arm.

Green, who claimed the hit was accidental, had been suspended indefinitely, taking into account his “repeated history of unsportsmanlike acts,” as he had already missed five games earlier in the season for an altercation with Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert.

As part of his latest suspension, Green had to meet certain league and team conditions before his return. This included meetings with a counselor and discussions with representatives from the league, the Warriors, and the Players Association. The NBA stated that these meetings will continue throughout the season.

While it’s unlikely that Green will immediately return to the court as he works on gaining game-level conditioning, his reinstatement is welcome news for the Warriors. 

The team recently suffered a setback with 12-time All-Star guard Chris Paul fracturing his left hand, leading to surgery and an extended absence. Green’s return will provide some relief for head coach Steve Kerr as the Warriors aim to improve their record and get back above .500 for the season. Their next game is against the Toronto Raptors at home on Sunday.