SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA – In an emotionally charged discussion during his NBA suspension, Draymond Green of the Golden State Warriors revealed on his podcast that NBA commissioner Adam Silver dissuaded him from retiring. The exchange was documented in the latest episode of “The Draymond Green Show,” shared on Monday by Volume Sports, providing insight into Green’s mindset following a physical altercation with Jusuf Nurkic of the Phoenix Suns on December 12.
Recounting their conversation, Green disclosed, “I told him, ‘Adam this is too much for me… This is too much. It’s all becoming too much for me — and I’m going to retire.’ And Adam said, ‘You’re making a very rash decision and I won’t let you do that.'” Green expressed gratitude for Silver’s support and highlighted the commissioner’s commitment to the welfare of players.
Green is set to return to the Warriors’ lineup after serving a 14-game suspension, resulting from this incident with Nurkic, which marked his second violent act within a month. He had previously been suspended for five games for an altercation involving Rudy Gobert of the Minnesota Timberwolves, where he grabbed Gobert and dragged him across the court.
Following a month of counseling, Green was reinstated by the NBA and has started to resume training with the Warriors. Sources indicate that his return to the court is expected within a week. Counseling sessions will continue as he is reintegrated into the team. It is worth noting that Green rejoins the Warriors at a time when the team is struggling, currently holding the 11th spot in the competitive Western Conference with a record of 17-19.
In his 15 games this season, Green has averaged 9.7 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 5.8 assists. As he fulfills the first year of a four-year, $100 million contract, he will lose $153,941 for each game he was suspended, underscoring the financial ramifications of his actions.
In conclusion, Draymond Green’s disclosure of his conversation with NBA commissioner Adam Silver sheds light on his mental state during his recent suspension. With his return imminent, Green aims to contribute to the struggling Golden State Warriors as they strive to climb the ranks in the fiercely competitive Western Conference.