Figure 1(own photo)
Written by Marcus Marshall
Full Sail University, SCBS 2024
There is no doubt in anyone’s mind the caliber of player Draymond Green is. His ferocity on the defensive end of the court has been compared to the likes of Tony Allen and Scottie Pippen. But it’s his on-court behavior that is outshining the greatness he shows on hardwood. At this point, the question is, Is Draymond Green working his way off the Warriors franchise that drafted him or maybe even the league in all? When Green was selected with the 35th pick in the second round of the 2012 NBA Draft not many expected him to become an integral piece of what has surely become one of the greatest dynasties the association has ever seen. But through hard work and sheer effort he has become arguably the best defender ever and a sure-fire hall of famer. In this article I will give a full outlook on some of Green’s biggest on-court situations and whether I believe the Warriors may end their relationship with the star forward.
Early Career
In Green’s early career, he was a bench player scraping together minutes in games that got out of hand. He eventually became the starting power forward in the 2014-15 season after the current starter, David Lee, began to deal with a few lingering injuries. From that point on he never looked back. The Warriors would go on to win their first championship later that season. The next season in 2016 is when Green’s run of on-court situations began.
In the 2016 Western Conference Finals, Green, while battling for a rebound in the paint, flailed his legs and contacted Oklahoma City Thunder center Steven Adams’ groin. He was not ejected or suspended for this situation, but it kicked off what would become a line of situations the forward would be a part of. Later in that same playoff run, this time during game four of the NBA Finals, Green would be suspended from game five of the series due to an accumulation of flagrant fouls gained throughout the season. Some see his suspension from the game as the reason the Cleveland Cavaliers began their historic run to come back from down 3-1 in the series.
In 2017 he continued to deal with dust ups including a scuffle with Washington Wizards star Bradley Beal that ended with Green’s ejection. As well as constant on going feuds with playoff rival Houston and a up and coming young team in the Memphis Grizzlies. Green was suspended during the 2018-19 NBA season for on-court arguments with his own teammate Kevin Durant. Green reportedly called Durant an expletive and questioned his effort citing an impending free agency. Durant later said the situation played a part in his deciding to leave the Warriors for the Brooklyn Nets during the off season.
2022-23 Season
It’s safe to say this hasn’t been the best season the 4x time all-star has had. Starting with the leaked video of him punching teammate Jordan Poole in the face during a training camp practice argument, a situation that wouldn’t result in a suspension, things have seemingly come to a head again with Draymond. During round one matchup with the Sacramento Kings, Green had gotten his leg grabbed by the Kings star forward Domantas Sabonis, and in his attempt to gain freedom he stepped onto Sabonis’ chest. This led to Green’s ejection and, announced earlier today, suspension from game three of the series.
When asked about the suspension the leagues Executive Vice President, Head of Basketball Operations, Joe Dumars said “The suspension was based in part on Green’s history of unsportsmanlike acts.” This being Green’s second NBA Playoff suspension, his first being in a pivotal game five of the NBA Finals, the question has begun to be asked. Is Draymond hurting more than he’s helping?
What’s Next
With Green suspended for game three, the Warriors will look to gain their first win of the series without their Defensive Player of the Year winning forward. Long term, there must be some front office discussions about the future of Draymond’s career in Golden State. Fans online have already begun to discuss Green’s next stop. Some say his relationship with LeBron James makes the Los Angeles Lakers a probable landing spot for the 11-year veteran. Either way Green has expressed his desire to remain a Warrior but says he isn’t ignorant to the fact his time may be running out with the franchise that took a chance on him in 2012. In an interview with Bleacher Report’s Taylor Rooks, Green said “I understand the business. We tend to get into this mindset of someone owes us something because of what we’ve accomplished. You’d be an idiot to walk around feeling that way. I feel like you’re just setting yourself up for failure. You’re setting yourself up for heartbreak. You’re setting yourself up for disappointment. As opposed to saying, ‘No, let me learn this business.'”(Linn, 2023). Whether Green stays with the Warriors or goes on to join another franchise, his reputation will always follow him. The only thing left to be seen is what will Green’s legacy be. Arguably the best defender ever or an irritant that happened to be selected by the right place at the right time.
References
Linn, J. (2023, January 14). Draymond Green Gives Brutally Honest Answer About Leaving Warriors. www.si.com. https://www.si.com/nba/warriors/news/draymond-green-gives-brutally-honest-answer-about-leaving-warriors
Carver, B., & Carver, B. (2022). Draymond Green’s history of heated arguments with NBA players. USASPORTS.NEWS. https://usasports.news/draymond-greens-history-of-heated-arguments-with-nba-players/
Barnard, S. (2023, April 18). How many times has Draymond Green been ejected in NBA? Looking at incidents he has been suspended for. Sportskeeda. https://www.sportskeeda.com/basketball/how-many-times-draymond-green-ejected-nba-looking-incidents-suspended
Johnson, B., & Johnson, B. (2022, March 4). Warriors Continue To Struggle Without Draymond Green. Basketball Forever. https://basketballforever.com/2022/03/04/warriors-continue-to-struggle-without-draymond-green
Tim Reynolds, The Associated Press. (2023). Joe Dumars: Decision to suspend Draymond Green was ‘difficult.’ NBA.com. https://www.nba.com/news/joe-dumars-decision-to-suspend-draymond-green-was-difficult
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