Warriors HC Steve Kerr sends clear message to Draymond Green

In the aftermath of Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green's indefinite suspension, head coach Steve Kerr revealed that he supports the severe punishment handed down by the NBA. 

Speaking with reporters on Thursday, Kerr sent a clear message regarding the expectations for Green.   

"The one who choked Rudy [Gobert], the one who took a wild flail, the one who punched Jordan [Poole] last year, that's the guy who needs to change," Kerr said via Kendra Andrews of ESPN. 

Following a laundry list of unsavory altercations with opponents and teammates, an unprovoked punch to the face of Phoenix Suns center Jusuf Nurkic on Dec. 12 was seemingly the last straw for the NBA. A day later, the league suspended Green "indefinitely," noting that he must meet specific requirements before being allowed to return to the court. 

Warriors general manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. wouldn't guarantee that Green would return a different man but emphasized the franchise's commitment to helping him in any way it could. Meanwhile, despite Kerr's tough-love statement, he agreed that the situation's importance reaches far beyond basketball. 

"It's about helping Draymond. It's an opportunity for Draymond to step away and make a change," Kerr said. "The answer is not to pick a number (of games). The answer is to help Draymond." 

It's unclear when Green will return to the hardwood in a Warriors uniform, if ever. For now, the next step is deciding how to aid him best. In that regard, Green, his agent Rich Paul and Dunleavy were to meet on Thursday to iron out a plan.

Green's situation is delicate, and it's finally getting the attention it deserves. Whether it's too little too late is irrelevant, as the focus is now where it should be.