“My Character Was Under Attack”: Golden State Warriors’ Draymond Green on His Lowest Point

Few players bring as much intensity to the game as Draymond Green, but in 2023, that intensity nearly got out of hand. A series of confrontations, including a hit on Jusuf Nurkic, resulted in a suspension that marked his season. He faced a lot of backlash, his reputation took a dive, and even his family felt the strain. Still, Green pushed back—not just in the sport, but in his personal life as well. Now, he’s on a road to redemption.

During a game against the Phoenix Suns in December 2023, Green hit center Jusuf Nurkic in the face, resulting in an indefinite suspension from the NBA.

This incident followed a previous altercation in November with Rudy Gobert of the Minnesota Timberwolves, for which Green had already faced a five-game suspension.
The league highlighted Green's "history of unsportsmanlike conduct" as a major factor in their ruling, indicating that he needs to meet specific conditions before he can return to play.

Green went through a tough time during his suspension, dealing with significant public backlash and personal difficulties. He mentioned that the whole situation really took a toll on him and his family, saying, “For my character to be under attack, that bothered me to my core because the things that were being said isn’t an accurate depiction of me and who I am. So, I would say that was the bottom. I couldn't play the game that I love. I couldn't play the game the way that I love. And by the way, ‘He's beating his wife at home. He's beating his kids because look what he does on a basketball court.’ That's crazy ... to have to live through that. But then, for my family to also have to live through that".

Green returned to the game in January 2024 after missing 12 matches, having satisfied the league's requirements and showing a real effort to align his behavior with NBA standards.

His comeback was a pivotal moment, as he adopted a more considerate approach to how he interacts on the court, all while preserving the competitive spirit that makes him stand out.
Warriors' head coach Steve Kerr recognized Green's hard work, pointing out his improved ability to balance intensity with calmness.
After Draymond Green was suspended, various key figures voiced their views. Steve Kerr, the head coach of the Golden State Warriors, expressed that the punishment was deserved, referring to Green's conduct as "inexcusable."
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Kevin Durant expressed his hope by saying "He needs professional help" for his well-being. The indefinite suspension received criticism from NBA champion John Salley who viewed it as excessive while another NBA player Paul George from the Los Angeles Clippers doubted its fairness.