Why the Warriors are to blame for Draymond Green's recent antics
Draymond Green has been ejected on three occasions this season despite playing in only 15 games. The veteran forward was also embroiled in a dispute throughout the 2022-23 season after punching Jordan Poole during training camp. Green's presence on the Warriors roster appears to be causing more harm than good.
It would appear that former Warriors champion Nick Young agrees. Golden State's former shooting guard appeared on a recent episode of "Undisputed" to discuss Green's recent ejection for striking Jusuf Nurkic in the face. Young noted how the Warriors have allowed their veteran forward to get away with too much for too long.
"They've let Draymond be Draymond for too long," Young said. "He cussed out KD (Kevin Durant) he got into it with Jordan Poole. So, they helped create this. You let him get away with so much; Draymond is going to continue to be Draymond...Now you look down the line, down the bench, and you've got nobody who can control him."
Green's latest incident landed him an indefinite suspension from the NBA. His absence from the Warriors rotation will be a significant blow. Golden State holds a 10-13 record and has been desperately trying to correct its course despite the issues piling up. Green is seen as a leader for the Warriors. They need him on the court. His defense is a significant part of the team's overall play style.
Yet, for the third time this season, Green has let the team down. It's one thing to be an "enforcer" for your teammates. It's another to approach games with an unnecessary aggression that is leading to negative headlines surrounding the team. The league isn't going to take Green's repeated indiscretions.
Throughout his career, Green has walked a fine line with his antics on the court. Yet, his edginess gave the Warriors a dimension other teams in the league lacked. Suddenly, as Golden State's roster is aging, that edge isn't taking them up a level; it's actively knocking them down.
Green recently signed a four-year $100 million contract with the Warriors. He will need to dramatically adjust his approach if he wants to be in the league long enough to cash in on that deal.
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