Green is a core player for the Warriors, but he's also the NBA's "big boss." He is a well-known "bad boy" who often causes trouble on the court, provoking opponents and even injuring teammates.
In the Warriors' game against the Suns on Dec. 13, Green was ejected again for the third time this season. His actions could see him face another suspension, perhaps even the longest of his career.
Why was Green expelled again?
In the game, Green once again made an incomprehensible move. With 8:23 left in the third quarter, he hit Suns center Nurkic in the head with his arm and knocked him to the ground. It was a very egregious foul, and the referee did not hesitate to kick Green off the court after the replay and ruled that Green's foul was a second-degree malicious foul, a foul intended to hurt the opponent.
It was Green's third ejection this season and the tenth of his career. He was sent into the locker room after 17 minutes and finished with just two points, two rebounds and two assists. Without his help, the Warriors eventually lost 116-119 to the Suns, suffering their thirteenth defeat of the season.
How does Green explain his actions?
Speaking to ESPN after the game, Green said: "I don't apologize for what I did intentionally, but I did apologize to Nurkic because I didn't plan to hit him. I used my arm to signal for a foul, so I just wanted to signal for a foul and then swung my arm a little bit and unfortunately hit him. ”
Green went on to insist that he had no intention of making physical contact with the Suns center.
"Like I said, if I did it on purpose, then I'm going to feel bad because I didn't hit," Green said. But my purpose was only to signal fouls. You've known me for a long time, and I wouldn't apologize if I did it on purpose. But I did hit him, so I apologize. ...... It was a very heavy blow. ”
Green's explanation sounds a bit far-fetched, as it is clear from the video that his movements were intentional and dangerous. His arms swung widely, hard, and fiercely. His goal is also clear, which is Nurkic's head. His actions are completely inconsistent with his words, which makes people doubt his sincerity.
What do Nurkic and the Suns think of Green's behavior?
Nurkic and the Suns are very unhappy with Green's behavior, and they believe that Green should be punished more harshly. Nurkic said he felt Green needed help because he didn't know what was wrong with him. He said he was glad Green didn't try to pinch him because that could have been worse.
"I don't know what happened to him. Personally, I feel like that guy needs help," Nurkic said, "and I'm glad he didn't try to pinch me." ”
Suns head coach Vogel also condemned Green's actions, saying that Green's actions were a reckless and dangerous act of the game that had nothing to do with basketball.
"I'm concerned that our players get this kind of blow in a game," Vogel said, "and I don't like that. The referees did what they had to do. The league will also do what they have to do. ”
Will Green be suspended?
Green's foul foul could see him face another suspension, which would be a huge loss for the Warriors. Green is the Warriors' defensive core and playmaker, and his absence will affect the team's overall performance.
Green has a history of provocation and trouble in the league, and he has been suspended five times in his career, most notably in the 2016 Finals, when he was suspended for hitting LeBron James in the crotch, which also cost the Warriors a chance to win the championship.
Here's a look at Green's misconduct and the corresponding suspension period.
| season | Duration of suspension | Reason for suspension |
| 2015-16 | 1 game | Green hit LeBron James in the crotch in the playoffs, his fourth foul in the playoffs. |
| 2018-19 | 1 game | Green was suspended by the Warriors for a heated altercation with teammate Kevin Durant. |
| 2022-23 | 1 game | Green met the technical foul limit and was suspended for one game. |
| 2022-23 | 1 game | In Game 2 of the Warriors' first-round series against Sacramento, Green stepped on Domantas Sabonis' chest. |
| 2023-24 | 5 games | Green locked Rudy Gobert's head, leading to a major penalty in the NBA. |
Notably, during a practice Xi before the 2022-23 season, Green punched teammate Jordan Poole in the face but was not suspended. However, he received a hefty fine for the dispute.
The league will likely give Green at least a five-game suspension based on his track record and the severity of the foul. But if the league wants to teach him a lesson, they can also give him a longer suspension, even the longest suspension of his career. Perhaps this will allow the 33-year-old to realise the seriousness of the problem and change his behaviour.
Green is a talented player who has helped the Warriors win three championships and has been named to the All-Star and All-Defensive Team. But his character and behavior also caused him a lot of trouble, causing him to lose a lot of support from fans and the team. If he doesn't change his attitude and Xi, he could lose everything in the NBA. Let's hope Green will wake up!