Draymond Green is officially back — the Golden State Warriors star is expected to play against the Memphis Grizzlies on Monday … his first game following his indefinite suspension.
The Dubs announced the four-time champion was listed as “active” for the road matchup just minutes ago … sharing the news with a clip of Green dunking during pregame warmups.
Draymond Green is active for today’s game against the Memphis Grizzlies. pic.twitter.com/1u7pVeuTQt
— Golden State Warriors (@warriors) January 15, 2024
@warriors
Green will come off the bench for Golden State … and the squad is undoubtedly hoping he provides a spark, as they’re currently 18-21 and sit toward the bottom of the Western Conference.
Dubs head coach Steve Kerr pointed out Green hasn’t played in a while … which may result in limited minutes in his first game back.
Kerr shares the plan for Draymond’s return today but doesn’t reveal if he’ll start or come off the bench 👀 pic.twitter.com/049lZ0NRaW
— Warriors on NBCS (@NBCSWarriors) January 15, 2024
@NBCSWarriors
“It will mostly be based on how he’s feeling and how that unit is doing while he’s out there,” he told reporters before the game. “We’ll just see how it goes.”
Of course, Green hasn’t played since his punishment for hitting Phoenix Suns player Jusuf Nurkic on Dec. 12 … and during his time away from the hardwood, he sought counseling and focused on his life away from basketball.
Green previously revealed he contemplated walking away from his pro career during his suspension … but commissioner Adam Silver talked him out of it.
As for his “antics,” Green told the media he believes he can leave that part of his game behind … and let his skills do the talking.