“They don’t want to start a war” – Draymond Green’s EXCLUSION from Team USA 41-player pool has mixed reactions from fans

Draymond Green's suspensions have been a factor in his omission from the provisional list.

“They don’t want to start a war” – Draymond Green’s EXCLUSION from Team USA 41-player pool has mixed reactions from fans

Draymond Green is excluded from the provisional Team USA list. (Image via AP)

Draymond Green is a Team USA Basketball veteran. Having won two Olympic gold medals, he has etched his name in Team USA history as one of their best players. This time around, however, he has been omitted from the provisional squad for the upcoming Olympics to be held in Paris this year.

The omission came as a surprise to basketball fans. The versatile defender offers a particular skill set that is often needed in close games. His leadership is also exemplary. So what led to the omission was summed up by USA Basketball National Team managing director Grant Hill. Speaking with Associated Press News, Hill said;

His contributions have been significant, and he is a real part of the legacy of this organization for his excellence. But I think just in lieu of sort of what's transpired this year, we made a decision to not have [Green] on this list with this particular point in time with the process.
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Grant Hill alluded that the Golden State Warriors superstar’s suspensions have contributed to his exclusion from the provisional squad. Draymond Green was part of an altercation with the Minnesota Timberwolves in November.

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While trying to defend his teammate Klay Thompson, Green ended up putting France’s Rudy Gobert in a chokehold. This led to a 5 game suspension. Then in December, Green was suspended indefinitely after he struck Phoenix Suns Bosnian center Jusuf Nurkic in the face during their game.

Hill and Team USA head coach Steve Kerr would have liked to have the defensive stalwart on the roster. But his recent situations have complicated the selection. Although Team USA might field the strongest team in a long time, Green’s defense and leadership will be missed.

Fans have mixed reactions to Green’s omission

Basketball fans were ecstatic when the initial 41-member provisional squad for the Paris Olympics was announced. But when reports of Green’s omission came through, many were baffled as to how the player was left out. Many fans had mixed feelings about how the situation has developed.

Draymond Green might face Rudy Gobert at the Olympics, who he put in a chokehold leading to a suspension
Draymond Green might have faced Rudy Gobert at the Olympics, who he put in a chokehold leading to a suspension. (Image via AP)

Fans decided to let their thoughts run wild on the internet after the news came out. Some reactions proved thoughtful, while others were flat-out bizarre. Check out some of the reactions below;

https://twitter.com/He_Fr3akyAhHell/status/1750214042352746569?s=20

Whatever Team USA basketball feels, Green’s omission has been met with mixed reactions. Fans are not sure how things will look in the future. After the FIBA championships debacle, all they want is to see Team USA basketball at the top.

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