“Had Zero Interest in the Game”: Draymond Green Confesses He Was Mentally Absent the Day He Fought Jusuf Nurkic

It has been over a year since Draymond Green infamously took a swing at the Phoenix Suns center, Jusuf Nurkic. The four-time champion was suspended indefinitely for his role in the altercation in December 2023. The punishment took into account Green’s previous offenses too. The behavior was uncharacteristic even for Green, who revealed that he wasn’t mentally or emotionally present when the Golden State Warriors took on the Suns that evening.

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. The veteran forward was 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,” said Green.

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

This night was undoubtedly a low point for the four-time All-Star. However, Green explained that the situation proved to be a turning point in both his career and life. Green’s indefinite suspension accorded him time to reflect on when to prioritize airing out his passionate side on the court.

Upon 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 the forward has come with the help from people close to him.

Mandated therapy helped Green get back on track

Following the altercation, NBA commissioner Adam Silver set the Warriors forward on a schedule of check-in calls from a group that included several important names in his life. The list included Warriors GM, Mike Dunleavy Jr, and Green’s agent, Rich Paul.

Kathy Behrens, president of social responsibility and player programs for the NBA, shared that Green was originally agitated and resistant during the calls. But he eventually came around to appreciate them.

Green revealed that the meetings became therapeutic for him. He began to figure out how to maintain discipline on the court better. 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.