The NBA reinstated Draymond Green on Saturday after he served a 12-game suspension for striking Phoenix center Jusuf Nurkic on Dec. 12.
The league cited Green’s commitment to aligning his behavior with NBA standards during the suspension, which began on Dec. 14. He engaged in counseling and held joint meetings with representatives from the league, the Warriors, and the National Basketball Players Association. These discussions are set to continue throughout the season.
Despite Draymond’s absence, the Warriors posted a 7-5 record. His suspension followed a previous five-game penalty in November for an altercation with Minnesota center Rudy Gobert.
The NBA underscored Green’s “repeated history of unsportsmanlike acts” in administering this latest discipline. The four-time NBA champion was also suspended in the previous season’s playoffs for stepping on Sacramento’s Domantas Sabonis.
Draymond, who signed a new $100 million deal with the Warriors last summer, incurred nearly $1.9 million in lost salary during the suspension. With a 17-18 record, the Warriors aim to improve their standing in the Western Conference.
Green has played only 15 games, and the team’s record in his absence is 10-10, considering games missed due to an ankle sprain and personal reasons.
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