The Golden State Warriors were dealt a costly blow this week when the NBA suspended veteran forward Draymond Green for stomping on Sacramento Kings star Domantus Sabonis in Game 2.
Despite Shams Charania of The Athletic reporting that the league was unlikely to suspend Green for his antics in Game 2, Adam Silver and company decided to go through with the suspension, which will impact this first-round playoff series as it shifts to San Francisco.
The Warriors were already facing a 0-2 deficit in this series against a hungry and talented young team, and now they’ll be without arguably their best defender and leader in the locker room in a crucial Game 3.
Former NFL running back LeSean McCoy believes the league has disrespected the defending NBA champions by suspending Green via Cameron Salerno of 247 Sports.
LeSean McCoy on Speak yesterday had some words on the Draymond Green suspension: “To suspend Draymond for a playoff game, it shows disrespect to the Warriors. They have been carrying the NBA for years, man. … I’m disappointed in the NBA. Disappointed to be a fan of the NBA.” pic.twitter.com/uNIYio4UWA
— Cameron Salerno (@cameronsalerno1) April 20, 2023
Considering the championship experience and the proven veterans the Warriors have right now, Golden State can get a win in Game 3 without Green.
However, McCoy saying the NBA disrespected the defending NBA champions with this suspension is asinine.
Green has gotten into these on-court and off-court altercations on multiple occasions and has cost the Warriors before in crucial moments, so this is a player problem that Golden State continues to be willing to deal with and therefore needs to accept the consequences.
Before the 2022-23 NBA season got underway, Green punched teammate Jordan Poole in practice and was disciplined by the team.
Even though Green is talented and always makes the Warriors a better and more well-rounded basketball team, he comes with baggage, and the team is well aware of that fact.
NEXT: Warriors Look To Avoid Embarrassing Record In Game 3
