History played a 'huge part' in Draymond's lengthy suspension

Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green. Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

History played a 'huge part' in Draymond Green's lengthy suspension

By Mike Santa Barbara | Last updated 11/15/23

The NBA suspended Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green for five games on Wednesday following an altercation against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Tuesday. While Green wasn't the only player involved, his punishment was more severe, and his troubled on-court history played a role.

"The league again acknowledged Draymond Green's history in these instances, going back a number of years as a part of the severity of this five-game suspension," Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN said. Meanwhile, an NBA statement said, "The length of the suspension is based in part on Green's history of unsportsmanlike acts."

Adrian Wojnarowski expands on his report that the NBA has suspended Draymond Green for 5 games.

That's followed by reaction to the decision from Zach Lowe, Michael Wilbon, and Kendrick Perkins. https://t.co/HE5sLFNxnh pic.twitter.com/EAOmHOlin1
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) November 16, 2023

Shortly before Green's suspension became official, Wojnarowski reported that his past would play a "huge part" in the league's judgment.

On Tuesday, Green inserted himself into a confrontation between teammate Klay Thompson and Timberwolves forward Jaden McDaniels. By the end of the conflict, Green had Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert in a dangerous chokehold.

The NBA ultimately decided that Green's actions were worthy of a five-game suspension, which Wojnarowski said "surprises the Warriors" and many around the league. However, several people around the basketball world were calling for such a harsh sentence, like Kendrick Perkins of ESPN.

Earlier on Wednesday, Perkins said commissioner Adam Silver had to "set an example" when deciding Green's penalty.

"I'm looking at five to 10 games — If I was Adam Silver, I would have to make that statement and show that no one is bigger than the NBA," Perkins said.

For Green, it's the fifth suspension of his pro career. Ironically, Green will be eligible to return to the Warriors lineups on Tuesday, Nov. 28, against the Sacramento Kings. Green famously stomped on the chest of Kings forward Domantas Sabonis in last year's playoffs, resulting in an ejection and a one-game suspension.

Green will forfeit $769,970 over his five games away, while the NBA also fined Thompson, McDaniels and Gobert $25,000 each for their involvement in the scuffle.

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