NBA suspends Draymond Green after altercation with Jusuf Nurkić

Draymond Green says “I am not one to apologize for things I mean to do, but I do apologize to Jusuf because I didn’t intend to hit him,” via www.sportingnews.com – CC

The NBA has suspended Golden State Warriors power forward Draymond Green indefinitely following an altercation with Phoenix Suns center Jusuf Nurkić on Tuesday night.

The incident occurred in the final nine minutes of the third quarter when Green spun around and swung in Nurkić’s direction, landing a hit to the 29-year-old in the head. After a video footage review, officials deemed the move a flagrant 2.

While Green first expressed reluctance to apologize, he later conveyed an apology to Nurkić for the unintentional hit in the head.

“I sell calls with my arms… So I was selling the call… and I swung, and unfortunately, I hit him,” said Green.

Nurkić asserted that the incident was unrelated to basketball. Suns coach Frank Vogel lambasted Green’s actions, calling his moves dangerous and reckless.

Following the suspension, the NBA outlined certain league and team conditions that Green must fulfill before rejoining his team.

On-court physical incidents

The recent suspension adds to a series of incidents that led to Green’s previous suspension from the league.

The previous suspension took place in a game against the Minnesota Timberwolves on November 14, 2023. Green hit Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert in a headlock during the game, resulting in a five-game suspension and a $25,000 fine by the NBA.

While the 33-year-old power forward expressed his commitment to maintaining his playing style — deemed crucial for the team’s success — he acknowledged the need for growth and improvement in handling different situations.

Warriors coach Steve Kerr said Green had gone too far in his attempt to keep Gobert away from Warriors shooting guard Klay Thompson, who was tangled in the midcourt with Minnesota forward Jaden McDaniels.

“He hung on for like six, seven seconds. It was a terrible visual for the league, for Draymond, for everybody,” said Kerr.