It’s now been over a year since Draymond Green infamously took a swing at Suns center, Jusuf Nurkic, in December 2023. The four-time champion was suspended indefinitely for his role in the altercation, a punishment that took into account Green’s previous offenses. Even with his mischievous reputation, this stunt was uncharacteristic, even for Green, who revealed that his mind was completely out of the game.
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The 34-year-old explained how he wasn’t mentally or emotionally present when his Golden State Warriors took on the Phoenix Suns. While he was physically on the court for the Dubs, who eventually lost the contest, 119-116, Green shared how he didn’t even want to be in the arena, completely disconnected from the task at hand.
“I was there because I had to be there. I had zero interest in the game, in being on the floor. I was just there,” the veteran forward said.
Draymond Green says he wasn’t mentally in the building the night he struck Nurkic.“The bulls— had taken over the love; the drive was gone.”
But therapy and NBA check-in calls during suspension helped him become “a nicer Draymond” and not cross the line. https://t.co/EfhadfZ6B2— Ohm Youngmisuk (@NotoriousOHM) January 13, 2025
While this night was undoubtedly a low point for the four-time All-Star, Green explained how the situation was actually a turning point for not only his career but his life. Green’s indefinite suspension allowed him time to reflect and when to prioritize airing out his passionate side on the court.
In the contests following Draymond’s return, head coach Steve Kerr praised his defensive star for keeping his poise, even after giving up several buckets to his matchup. The veteran head coach knows how much fire Green plays with, so he felt it was important to acknowledge how far Green has come with the help of therapy.
Mandated therapy helped Draymond Green get back on track
Following the altercation, Adam Silver set the Warriors forward up on a schedule of check-in calls from a group that included several important names in his life, including Warriors GM, Mike Dunleavy Jr, and Green’s agent, Rich Paul.
While Kathy Behrens, president of social responsibility and player programs for the NBA, shared that Green was originally agitated and resistant during the calls, he eventually came around to appreciate them.
Green revealed that the meetings eventually became therapeutic for him as he began to figure out how to better exercise discipline on the court. It turns out that this outside help was sorely needed for Green, who admitted to contemplating retirement following the fiasco.
However, the former Defensive Player of the Year has since revealed that he is happy with the progress he’s made as a person and is elated to be back on the court for the Dubs.
