In a display that even caught Stephen Curry off guard, Golden State Warriors star Draymond Green unleashed a tirade against the officials on Wednesday, resulting in his ejection from the game—a moment that ESPN’s Kendrick Perkins views as another plea for assistance from Green, who seems to have disregarded the lessons from his earlier suspension this season.
Despite Kevin Durant’s previous advice to “seek help,” it’s unlikely that Green will react any differently to Perkins’ observation, even if there’s some validity to it.
Here’s what Perkins had to say about the issue at hand.
“You’re supposed to get help. You’re supposed to come back a better man. I’m not asking you to change your approach to the game as far as tenacity and passion but you’re supposed to be able to balance the two. If you’re not balancing it, then all of a sudden you might need to go get more help. And help is okay.”
Green has long been known for his confrontations with referees, ranking second in NBA history for ejections. However, his behavior reached an unprecedented level recently, as evidenced by his swift ejection in just 3 minutes and 36 seconds, leaving his team shorthanded for the remainder of the game. This marks the fourth ejection for Green this season alone.
Both Steph Curry and head coach Steve Kerr expressed visible frustration with Green, who has developed a concerning pattern of getting ejected from games. Earlier in the season, Green faced an indefinite suspension for a string of aggressive and dangerous plays, leading many to believe he had been humbled by the experience.
Despite returning from suspension without further incident, Green continues to court controversy, testing the patience of his teammates and coaches with his lack of self-control on the court.
As a pivotal member of the original Warriors dynasty, Green has enjoyed considerable leeway in Golden State, enabling him to challenge opponents, referees, and even fans with impunity. However, the landscape has shifted, and Green’s role is no longer as secure as it once was. After a tumultuous season both on and off the court, his future with the team is increasingly uncertain.
If the Warriors fail to rectify their performance and Green doesn’t rein in his behavior, it could precipitate an unexpected breakup this summer as GM Mike Dunleavy Jr. seeks to bolster the team around Stephen Curry. In the NBA, no one is exempt from trade discussions, not even a four-time champion like Draymond, if the situation becomes dire enough.
For now, the Warriors are monitoring the situation as the season unfolds, but it’s evident that their anticipated success has yet to materialize, particularly in what could be one of the final seasons featuring the trio of Klay Thompson, Stephen Curry, and Draymond Green together.
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