LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MAY 12: Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors high fives head coach Steve Kerr during the fourth quarter against the Los Angeles Lakers in game six of the Western Conference Semifinal Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on May 12, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr has publicly commented on the suspension of Draymond Green.
The NBA announced Green’s indefinite suspension on Wednesday (December 13). This comes after Green smacked Phoenix Suns’ Jusuf Nurki across the face during an inbound play on Tuesday (December 12).
And while Green apologized, insisting that his actions on the court were not intentional, the NBA also took into consideration his history of repeated “unsportsmanlike conduct.” They would only consider bringing him back after counseling sessions.
Kerr has now given his firm backing to the decision, per CBS Sports, stating on record ahead of the Warriors game against the Los Angeles Clippers, “The suspension makes sense to me.”
“To me this is about more than basketball — it’s about helping Draymond. I think it’s an opportunity for Draymond to step away and to make a change in his approach and his life and that’s not an easy thing to do. That’s not something you say, ‘Okay, we’re gonna do five games, and then he’s gonna be fine…'”
While some people have criticized the indefinite suspension as being too harsh, coach Steve Kerr has defended it with the belief that such sanctions are necessary to keep player conduct in check.
See what he said below.
Coach Steve Kerr explained that passion and intensity are integral elements of the game. However, he said they should not overshadow the principles of sportsmanship and respect for teammates.
Kerr’s stance on this issue reflected his own leadership style throughout the years and his emphasis on discipline, respect, and team cohesion.
“That’s not the answer to pick a number, the answer is to help Draymond,” Coach Kerr said. “Give him the help he needs. Give him an opportunity to make a change that will not only help him, help our team, but help him for the rest of his life. It’s not just about, you know, an outburst on the court. This is about his life.”
Kerr made it clear that Green’s intensity is part of what makes him an excellent player. Still, he added, there is a line that shouldn’t be crossed.
In Kerr’s view, suspension in such cases acts as an immediate discouragement against future incidents. It’s supposed to send a clear message about what is expected from players in terms of behavior and attitude while underscoring the fact that no player is larger than the team or above the rules that govern them.
And given Green’s track record of previous fouls and suspensions, the NBA is standing strong on the league’s values.
