After his suspension was lifted, Draymond Green celebrates the Warriors from the sidelines.
AN FRANCISCO One day after being allowed to resume practice with the Golden State Warriors after serving a 12-game suspension, Draymond Green made his comeback to the court on Sunday.
He participated in the huddles during timeouts while sitting on the bench when the Warriors played the Toronto Raptors.
After a 133-118 loss, Klay Thompson said, “It was great, we missed him dearly and we’ll never be the same until he’s in the lineup.” “I’m excited to just play and be out there with Draymond again. We are eager for his return to the court and he is undoubtedly the heart and soul of this team. He will make a significant impact.”
After spending a considerable amount of time improving himself following his December 12 hit on Phoenix center Jusuf Nurkic’s face, Green took a long break from playing in games. Coach Steve Kerr wasn’t sure when Green might be ready to return.
Before the game, Kerr remarked, “He’s here, he looks good, he’s excited to be here.” “Our walkthrough was just completed.
For the time being, Green will resume his usual shooting regimen and consult with Vice President of Player Health and Performance Rick Celebrini every day to assess his level of fitness and preparedness for action in the game. This will involve increasing scrimmage volume in a manner akin to what the Warriors do when a player returns from an injury.
Kerr responded, “We’ll just see,” not knowing how much basketball Green may have played while he was away. “I have no idea when that will be.” The Warriors’ emotional forward was also suspended for five games in November of last year after choking Minnesota’s Rudy Gobert.
With the statement that he “demonstrated his commitment to conforming his conduct to standards expected of NBA players” during the penalty that started on December 14, the league announced on Saturday that Green’s indefinite suspension was coming to an end. In addition to multiple joint meetings with representatives of the league, the Warriors, and the National Basketball Players Association, Green has also met with a counselor.
During that 119-116 loss at Phoenix, the 33-year-old Green—a crucial component of four Warriors championships—was ejected for the 18th time in his career, which is the most of any active NBA player.
Green is a fiery player who makes him so good, and Kerr and the Warriors are hoping he can return to that form without going too far. Just by returning to Chase Center, he uplifted everyone’s spirits and brought energy.
“Definitely,” Kerr replied. Everyone is thrilled to see him again; his return is greatly appreciated. There is a positive vibe there because he is one of our leaders and is glad to be back.”
