Warriors Prioritize Helping Green by Doing the “right things,” Rather Than Punishing Him

LOS ANGELES — The Golden State Warriors convened a team meeting on Wednesday to discuss Draymond Green’s indefinite ban and the events that led to it.

It was an open and emotional discussion. But at the heart of each message was Green’s dedication as a player and as a person.

“The conversations we had yesterday were about him and making sure the focus is getting right and getting on a path that’s going to allow him to be who he needs to be as a person, a man, a father, a husband and basketball player, in that order,” Curry, who plays for the Warriors, said.

The talk, according to Curry, was about “holding each other accountable — holding Draymond accountable — to what’s been going on and what needs to change.”

Green’s recent confrontation, swiping Phoenix Suns center Jusuf Nurkic in the face in what Green claimed was an attempt to sell a foul call, concerned Warriors coach Steve Kerr since it was the fourth time in the last year that he responded aggressively. These were not the same as his previous ejections, which were the result of shouting at an official or engaging in other demonstrative behavior during a game.

“The one who choked Rudy [Gobert], the one who took a wild flail at Jusuf, the one who punched Jordan [Poole] last year — that’s the guy who needs to change,” he continued. “This isn’t just about a rant on the court. It revolves around his life. It’s about someone I believe in, someone I’ve known for decades, and someone I admire for his loyalty.”

Following Green’s assault on Poole, the Warriors and Green agreed that he should be removed from the team for a week, which he did. But it had no effect on his actions.

According to ESPN, the Warriors lost all power in holding Green accountable after failing to discipline him harshly following last year’s preseason confrontation with Poole.

With the league’s intervention, the organization’s messaging toward Green and his behavior has shifted dramatically.

“The tone has obviously changed from any other suspension,” Curry stated in a statement. “There were times when we were only here to play basketball….” You must take a step back and ensure that everyone is in agreement.”

Curry, Kerr, and general manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. all emphasized the significance of Green using his suspension to improve personally. Dunleavy advised to the league that there be no clear date for the ban to provide Green as much time as he requires.

Curry showed trust in Green’s ability to discover his better side, stating that part of the conversation on Wednesday was Green admitting his conduct needed to change.

However, Dunleavy could not guarantee that there would not be another incident when Green returned.

“I can’t guarantee you that,” Dunleavy said. “I can only say that we will continue to do everything we can to assist him.” I believe we’ve done a good job at it in the past, and we’ll keep working on it. There are several parties involved. To me, the most important aspect of this situation is not punishment, but rather aiding and providing support.”

The league stated on Wednesday night that Green’s punishment will be conditional on him completing “certain league and team conditions before he returns to play.”

“We want to see you at your best, and the best way for you to do that is to get yourself mentally and emotionally back to where you need to be,” said NBA executive vice president Joe Dumars on ESPN’s “First Take.” “That’s how we got to indefinite.”

Green, Dunleavy, and Green’s agent, Rich Paul, were slated to meet Thursday to begin exploring a road of treatment for Green, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.

“There is a lot of this that has to happen with people who are experts in this field,” Mr. Kerr added. “My role in this is to help Draymond as much as I can.” We want to give him the space, time, and support he requires to make a substantial transformation. We’re not qualified to provide some of the services he requires.”

Green will continue with the squad throughout his ban, albeit he will not be there every day. Green would benefit more by remaining linked to the group, according to Dunleavy, than “jettisoning the guy off somewhere.” Green was not with the club in Los Angeles on Thursday and is expected to be gone for a few days.

“We’ve got to give it a few days,” Kerr explained. “I believe the squad requires some breathing room. I believe Draymond requires some breathing room. Draymond will do what he believes is proper and then proceed.”

The Warriors’ major message throughout Green’s absences, particularly during his five-game sentence for placing Gobert in a chokehold, has been how much they would miss him in games.

Green has been told that he must do all it takes to stay on the floor. This season, he has missed eight games due to suspension, injury, or personal reasons, and he has been expelled from three more.

“His ability this year has been great, his availability has not,” Dunleavy told reporters.

Dunleavy believes the next 15 to 20 games will be crucial in assessing whether roster changes are necessary. He believes that observing how the squad performs without Green will be more crucial in determining what has to be done.

In the Warriors’ 121-113 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers on Thursday night, Kerr went with Jonathan Kuminga as the substitute starter, while also substituting Brandy Podziemski for Andrew Wiggins.