Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green was ejected for the third time this season earlier this week and the league handed down an indefinite suspension on Wednesday. Green’s antics have been ramping up with more frequent incidents, especially this year.
Warriors general manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. talked about Green’s suspension while appearing on the Audacy podcast ‘The TK Show’ with Tim Kawakami this week.
“It was really too bad, disappointing, but something that now we’re facing the consequences of. But at the same time, I think there’s some positivity to this,” Dunleavy said (3:10 in player above). “A way to address something that we think can make our team better, can make Draymond better, and I think we’re kind of turning the corner and putting a good plan in place, and feel good with working with the league, working with Draymond, his representation, working with our staff to remedy the issue.”
Green has been a repeat offender over the years and his third ejection in 15 games this season pushed things over the edge.
The Warriors are focused on helping the embattled veteran moving forward.
“It’s about helping him, assisting him with this. The incidents have been more frequent. I think they’ve been more frequent and that’s a red flag,” said Dunleavy. “I’m not sure how we treat him differently. I think, again, just trying to get him the appropriate help to remedy this.
“At the same time, when these situations arise, what are the strategies, what are the things that he can do, we can do to not make them go over the top? I think that’s what we’ll be seeking and looking at in the coming weeks and months, and frankly, something that will just continue throughout his career. I think it’s the right resolution.”
The Warriors signed Green to a four-year, $100 million contract extension this offseason. Dunleavy noted that they took everything into account, including performance on the court as well as the on-court incidents that the forward is becoming known for.
“We looked at everything,” he said. “Unequivocally, having Draymond available for us in the lineup was 100% the right thing to do and continue on with as we pursue having great teams and championships and all that.
“Could we foresee a scenario this season where he will end up missing – we’ll see what it ends up being – countless games because of league penalties? Yeah, I think every year Draymond is good for an ejection or so. Whatever. That’s kind of part of it. But this has gotten a little too far so we got to try to reign it in and help him.”
Green is going to need to meet certain criteria to get back on the court after his indefinite suspension. Dunleavy and the Warriors are going to work hand in hand with the league and Green himself to make sure things are right before he returns.
“Very collaborative,” Dunleavy said. “Spoke with the league (Wednesday) on the suspension, on the options, all those types of things, as well as with Draymond and his representation. So we’re all in this together, and there’s agreement on all sides on how to figure it out.”
It’s going to take all sides being on the same page for Green to return to action.
“I think it’s all of us. There may be a point where if you look at the three parties maybe two are in alignment and maybe one isn’t,” Dunleavy continued. “I think for him to fully return to play everybody needs to be on the same page, and that includes him. That includes him. I want everybody to be in agreement. He probably won’t be back out there until that’s the case.”