Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green was suspended for punching teammate Jordan Poole last week, but head coach Steve Kerr said he will return to action Thursday.
Green is ready to play next Tuesday’s opening night against the Los Angeles Lakers and will also play in Golden State’s final preseason game against the Denver Nuggets on Friday.
Draymond Green will join the team on Thursday, according to Steve Kerr.
He was fined but suspended. Kerr said he will play in the team’s final preseason game on Friday and will be on opening night.
— Kendra Andrews (@kendra__Andrews) October 12, 2022
While many believe the relationship between Green and the Warriors is damaged beyond repair, Steph Curry is said to have facilitated talks between Green, Jordan Poole and other members of the team.
Steve Kerr, Steph Curry, organized discussions among the team and facilitated the healing process with Draymond Green, Jordan Poole and other players. Curry’s leadership continues to flourish and assuming the Warriors move past this, he will be a big reason for that. #dubnation
— Kylen Mills (@KylenMills) October 12, 2022
Kerr The 32-year-old admits he violated the team’s trust in the incident, but after Green led the Warriors to four NBA championships since 2012, he deserves the benefit of the doubt.
“Draymond and I have been together for eight years. We had a lot of runs but I trust him. He destroyed credibility with this incident, but I’m giving him the benefit of the doubt because I think he’s earned that – and I think our team feels it, too.
The Warriors are Vegas favorites to win back-to-back championships at +575 in NBA betting, ahead of last year’s eventual champions Boston Celtics and 2021 champion Milwaukee Bucks.
NBA Opening Night is less than a week away when LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers travel to Oracle Arena to face off against the championship in Oakland, California.
