The NBA and its commissioner Adam Silver didn’t address a serious problem quickly enough or in a decisive manner.
Now it has evolved into a major issue, and one that can’t be neatly solved or easily handled.
The problem is the behavior of Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green, who last week received an indefinite suspension following his latest on-court incident. Green struck Phoenix Suns center Jusuf Nurkic in the face, knocking him to the court.
It was just the latest in a series of incidents involving Green dating back to last season, when he slugged then teammate Jordan Poole in the locker room.
This time the league took matters out of the hands of his team and took an unprecedented step, suspending him indefinitely.
Green stands to lose over $150,000 a game if the suspension is fewer than 15 games and over $200,000 a game if it hits 20 and beyond.
But money is far from the key issue. As everyone from NBA head of discipline Joe Dumars to 12-year teammate Steph Curry said, the concern moving forward is for Green ‘s welfare and health. No one knows exactly what is wrong or causing the actions that have led to three suspensions this year alone, but there was consensus that something had to be done and that Green’s behavior on the court had reached a point where it had to be addressed in a stern manner.
That neither the NBA Players Association or Green challenged or appealed the decision also speaks volumes. Everyone, even Green, recognizes there is a problem. While everyone should be very careful about making statements regarding mental health without documentation or factual evidence, it is clear there is something bothering Green.
Making things harder to understand is the fact there is also consensus that away from basketball Green is a thoughtful, articulate and valuable spokesperson as an analyst and commentator. TNT just signed him to a three-year deal to contribute to their telecasts when not playing.
On the court he has been a valuable contributor to four titles and is a former Defensive Player of The Year.
The Warriors signed him to a new four year deal for $100 million earlier this year. Head coach Steve Kerr and all his teammates repeatedly say they can’t win without him.
Prior to the latest suspension he had missed nine games. The Warriors were 2-7 in those games.
But now he is out for an undetermined period. The requirements for his return are as unclear as the indefinite status of the suspension, but some counseling component is expected to be part of the process.
Only time will tell how well things go, but the hope is that Draymond Green eventually solves whatever problems he has and not only returns to thr court, but resumes having a productive and successful life away from it.
