Draymond Green Reveals Emotional Conversation with Commissioner Adam Silver Amid Suspension, Considers Retirement, and Credits Him for Support

In a candid conversation on “The Draymond Green Show,” Golden State Warriors star Draymond Green disclosed that NBA Commissioner Adam Silver played a crucial role in dissuading him from retirement during the period of his indefinite league suspension.

Following an incident where Green struck Phoenix center Jusuf Nurkic on Dec. 12, leading to a suspension that has now extended to 14 games, the emotional exchange between Green and Silver was shared in a clip from the podcast on Volume Sports, as reported by ESPN on Monday morning.

Green recounted telling Silver, “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.” In response, Silver reportedly intervened, advising against what he deemed a “rash decision” and expressing his commitment to supporting Green.

The Warriors’ forward expressed gratitude for the “long, great conversation” with Silver, highlighting the commissioner’s emphasis on assisting players rather than penalizing them. Green acknowledged Silver’s supportive approach, stating, “He’s more about helping you than hurting you; helping you than punishing you. He’s more about the players.”

Green, who faced a five-game suspension earlier in the season for an altercation with Minnesota’s Rudy Gobert, underwent a month of counseling after the incident with Nurkic. Despite the suspension, the NBA reinstated Green on Saturday, and he has begun preparations to rejoin the Warriors, with sources indicating an expected return in approximately a week.

The counseling sessions are slated to continue for Green even after his return to active play. The Warriors, currently 17-19 and positioned 11th in the Western Conference, will benefit from Green’s return as they seek to improve their standing.

Having played 15 games this season, Green has averaged 9.7 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 5.8 assists. As the team aims for a resurgence, the star player is set to contribute to their performance after enduring the challenges and emotional toll of his suspension.