Steve Kerr wants NBA to bend rules, allow Draymond Green to play even when suspended

Steve Kerr feels suspensions should not impact regular season games.

Steve Kerr wants NBA to bend rules, allow Draymond Green to play even when suspended

Warriors' coach Steve Kerr (screengrab from a video via X)

Draymond Green is currently serving his suspension of 5 games. Green was suspended following his choke hold on Rudy Gobert in the Golden State Warriors vs Minnesota Timberwolves game on November 15th, 2023. As per NBA executive vice president Joe Dumars; 

Forcibly grabbing in an unsportsmanlike and dangerous manner.

Following the Golden State Warriors‘ 118-112 victory against the San Antonio Spurs, Coach Steve Kerr addressed questions in the post-match press conference. When asked about the possibility of separating suspensions between regular and cup games, Kerr expressed interest, citing how it works in European soccer leagues.

YouTube video

Unlike the NBA, where suspensions apply to all games, soccer allows for distinctions between formats. Kerr finds this concept appealing and mentioned that the Warriors will discuss it with the NBA.

That's an interesting thought...I hadn't thought of it. But, it is something we, maybe, will take to the league for next year.

The logic is that the NBA In-Season Tournament has no impact on the regular season standings or the playoffs in any way. The regular season record will be counted as usual toward determining the playoff race. The In-Season Tournament is an additional tournament introduced to incentivize teams and players mid-season.

Will the NBA change its rules?

This is the first NBA In-Season Tournament. Normally with any new tournament, there will be growing pains. The league will take note of areas of improvement and try and implement them in the next edition. However, the suspension issued to Draymond Green was somewhat influenced by his history of unsportsmanlike conduct, as confirmed by Joe Dumars.

Draymond Green headlock Rudy Gobert.
Draymond Green headlock Rudy Gobert. (Via Yahoo Sports)

Steve Kerr probably got a lifeline with this idea. That way, the team can limit the deficiencies of Green as and when required. The Warriors need all their superstars to play every game at their best. Considering how highly competitive the Western Conference is, they cannot let any slip-ups happen. Additionally, when you factor in the age of their superstars, they do not have that luxury.

All things considered, does Draymond Green deserve to play despite his extremely aggressive move? Fans have voiced their opinion, and so has the league. But bending rules is part of the game. The Warriors will try and bend them to their advantage. Whatever it takes.

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