Following the indefinite suspension of Draymond Green for an on-court incident, Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr emphasized that the decision goes beyond basketball and presents an opportunity for Green to make positive changes in his life. Kerr told reporters that the suspension is aimed at helping Green alter his approach and highlighted the importance of addressing not just the on-court outburst but broader aspects of Green's life.
"The suspension makes sense. To me, this is about more than basketball. It's about helping Draymond. It's an opportunity for Draymond to step away and to make a change in his approach, in his life," Kerr stated. "And that's not an easy thing to do... The answer is to help Draymond. This is not just about an outburst on the court. This is about his life."
Kerr acknowledged the recent incidents involving Green, including altercations with teammates and opponents, and expressed a desire for Green to conclude his career in a dignified manner. Despite the suspension, Kerr indicated that the team would continue to support Green during this challenging time.
"I want him to finish his career in a dignified manner... he crossed the line, and he knows that. We want to support him the whole way through," Kerr said.
Green, in response to the suspension, publicly apologized to Jusuf Nurkić, emphasizing that he did not intend to hit him in the face. The Warriors, facing a challenging season with a struggling record, will need to adjust to Green's absence, recognizing his significance as a playmaker on offense and a defensive lynchpin.
"All the pieces fit for a reason. They have for a very long time. When you're missing one, it's tough... We need everybody available; that's how we're built. It's no secret to our success," remarked Stephen Curry regarding Green's suspension.