The NBA has indefinitely suspended Draymond Green

Draymond Green, a forward for the Golden State Warriors, faces his second suspension of the NBA season following an incident where he hit Jusuf Nurkic of the Phoenix Suns in the face. The NBA’s decision is partly due to Green’s history of similar misconduct, as he is a four-time All-Star with a record of unsportsmanlike behavior.

This latest suspension was announced after Green’s 18th career ejection, the highest among active NBA players, for striking Nurkic during a recent game. This indefinite suspension, effective immediately, follows a previous five-game suspension Green served in November for an altercation with Rudy Gobert of the Minnesota Timberwolves.

The NBA stated that Green must fulfill certain conditions set by the league and his team before he can return to play. This decision reflects Green’s pattern of unsportsmanlike conduct.

ESPN reported that discussions involving Green, Warriors general manager Mike Dunleavy Jr, and Green’s agent Rich Paul are expected to commence, focusing on counseling and support to help Green move forward.

The incident occurred while Green and Nurkic were jostling for position early in the third quarter. Green, after losing balance, turned around and struck Nurkic in the face. This action led to Green’s ejection from the game after a Flagrant 2 foul call by the referees. Nurkic, who was knocked down but continued playing, remarked that Green’s action was unrelated to basketball.

Green apologized in a post-game press conference, claiming he did not intend to hit Nurkic.

In a previous notable incident, Green was suspended for Game Five of the 2016 NBA Finals for a flagrant foul on LeBron James.

Kevin Durant, a former Warriors teammate now with the Suns, commented on the suspension, expressing concern for Nurkic and surprise at Green’s behavior, hoping Green receives the necessary help.

This suspension comes as the Warriors, a team with which Green has won four NBA titles since being drafted in 2012, struggle in the current season, standing outside the Western Conference playoff spots after a 10-13 start.