Draymond Green admits he considered retirement after suspension
Draymond Green is getting ready to make his return to the Golden State Warriors after missing the past 14 games due to an indefinite suspension. This was Green’s second suspension of the season. He also missed five games following his altercation with Rudy Gobert earlier in the season.
On Monday (Jan. 8) Green released a new episode of his “The Draymond Green Show” podcast, where he revealed that he was considering retirement following his latest sanction from the NBA. However, Green also revealed that NBA Commissioner Adam Silver helped talk him out of the decision. Green shared his gratitude to Silver for his role in such a difficult discussion.
“I told him, ‘Adam, this is too much for me,” Green said, as transcribed by ESPN. “… 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…We had a long, great conversation — very helpful to me. Very thankful to play in a league with a commissioner like Adam who’s more about helping you than hurting you; helping you than punishing you. He’s more about the players.”
Green’s return to the rotation is now imminent. He missed the Warriors’ loss to the Toronto Raptors on Sunday (Jan. 7) as he continues to build up his fitness to ensure he’s in shape once he returns to Golden State’s lineup. Green will significantly boost the Warriors’ roster, as his leadership and defensive versatility have been missed throughout the season.
Green, who signed a four-year contract extension worth $100 million this summer, has played in 15 games for the Warriors this season. He’s averaging 9.7 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 5.8 assists, shooting 49% from the field and 42.9% from 3-point range. Golden State will be excited to welcome back one of their most influential players, and will be hoping he can help them navigate a difficult stretch of the season.
