Draymond Green is a four-time NBA All-Star, a four-time NBA champion with the Golden State Warriors, and a former NBA Defensive Player of the Year. Along with this, Green is also arguably one of the dirtiest and most physical players in the NBA. In his 11 seasons in the league, Green has finished first or second in technical fouls five times. Along with this, Green has served multiple suspensions throughout his NBA career. In total, the sports star has reportedly paid over $1.3 million in fines due to suspensions, ejections, and other dirty plays. Here’s a look at some of the most controversial moments of Draymond Green’s career.
2016: Fine For Kick To Steven Adams’ Groin
Ironically, this incident is not the most infamous of groin shots in Draymond Green’s career. During the 2016 Western Conference Finals, pitting the Golden State Warriors and Oklahoma City Thunder, Green kicked Steven Adams in the groin while going for a layup. It was obviously not a basketball move, and Green received backlash for the incident. While the referees did not eject Green following the kick, the NBA fined him $25,000 after the game ended. This moment led to the running joke among fans that Green only has control of three of his limbs at all times.
2016 Finals: Suspension For Hit To Lebron’s Groin
Just one playoff series after the aforementioned incident, Green committed his most infamous offense on the court. During Game 4 of the 2016 NBA Finals, Draymond Green punched Lebron James in the groin. The Warriors went on to win the game. However, the referees retroactively awarded Green a flagrant foul for the play. This was Green’s fourth flagrant foul of the playoffs, which led to an automatic suspension.
Along with the act itself, this moment has become infamous due to the consequences that followed. At the time, the Warriors held a 3-1 lead over the Cleveland Cavaliers. Despite this, Lebron and the Cavs went on to come back to win the series 4-3. Many fans believe that if Green were not suspended for the shot at Lebron, the Warriors would have been able to win the NBA Championship that year. While this is only speculation, Green’s punch to Lebron continues to live in infamy today.
2016-2018: Multiple Offenses Against James Harden
Draymond Green has had long-lasting problems with James Harden on the court. During a 2016-17 season game, Draymond somehow kicked Harden in the head while grabbing a rebound and received a flagrant foul. This occurred in double overtime and ultimately cost the Warriors the game. In another game in 2017, Green admitted to punching Harden in his injured wrist after Harden allegedly pinched him. Just over one minute into Game 1 of the 2018 Western Conference Finals, Draymond shoved Harden in the throat. He received a technical foul. Green has gained a reputation for targeting other teams’ star players, and his offenses against Harden seem to be proof of that.
2017: Crowd Fight With Bradley Beal
In a game against the Washington Wizards in 2017, Green was involved in an altercation with Bradley Beal. After Beal hit Green in the face, the two began a fight that spilled into the crowd. Both teams got involved, and Green’s jersey was ripped. Both Beal and Green were both ejected but not suspended for the incident. The NBA also fined both players for the fight.
2018: Argument With Then-Teammate Kevin Durant
Along with committing dirty acts against opposing teams, Draymond has also been involved in altercations with his teammates. At the end of a game during the 2018-19 season, Draymond got into an argument with Kevin Durant that lasted minutes long. Durant appeared to be frustrated at Green for not passing him the ball. The two had to be separated, but apparently, the fight spilled into the locker room following the game. Green allegedly called out Durant for his impending free agency during the dispute. After this season, Durant would leave the Warriors in free agency. The team suspended Draymond for one game following the incident.
2022: Punch To Jordan Poole During Warriors’ Practice
Draymond’s argument with Kevin Durant would not end his altercations with his teammates. Just before the 2022-23 season began, a video appeared of Draymond punching Jordan Poole in the face at a Golden State Warriors preseason practice. In the video, Poole shoves Draymond before Green punches Poole and knocks him out. Green was not suspended for the incident; it is still unknown what sort of discipline he received from the Warriors.
2023: Suspension For Stomp On Domantas Sabonis
Draymond’s most recent controversial moment came just one week ago in a playoff game against the Sacramento Kings. During the game, Draymond stomped on King’s player Domantas Sabonis’ chest while he lay on the floor. While Sabonis was holding Green’s leg, the action seemed excessive. The NBA agreed with that statement, as the league suspended Draymond for one game without pay for the incident. The referees also awarded Green a flagrant 2 foul and ejected him from the game.
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