Green smacked Suns center Jusuf Nurkic across the face, leading to the 18th ejection of his career
Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green faces an indefinite suspension after his latest ejection from a game.
The NBA suspended Green after he hit Phoenix Suns center Jusuf Nurkic Tuesday night and was ejected, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowksi.
ESPN added that Green, Warriors GM Mike Dunleavy Jr. and agent Rich Paul are expected to meet Thursday to discuss a counseling plan to get Green help.
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Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) jogs off the court after getting ejected during the second half of a game against the Phoenix Suns Tuesday, Dec. 12, 2023, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
The suspension was intended to "allow Green to take the time he might need to deal with challenges he’s facing," ESPN reported.
It was Green’s 18th ejection of his career and his second this season. He was previously suspended for putting Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert in a chokehold during a scuffle.
Green was suspended five games for that incident.
APP USERS VIEW THE INCIDENT HERE
The latest incident occurred in the third quarter of the Suns’ 119-116 win, when both Green and Nurkic were battling for position. Green was trying to receive the ball with Nurkic on his back and took exception.
FROM OUTKICK: DRAYMOND GREEN DUE FOR ANOTHER SUSPENSION AFTER ASSAULTING SUNS BIG MAN JUSUF NURKIC WITH WILD PUNCH
Green turned around and hit Nurkic with his hand and was ejected after referees deliberated.
"He was pulling my hip, and I was swinging away to sell the call," the Warriors star explained after the game. "I made contact with him. As you know, I'm not one to apologize for things I meant to do, but I do apologize to Jusuf because I didn't intend to hit him."
Jusuf Nurkic of the Phoenix Suns on the court after being fouled by Draymond Greenof the Golden State Warriors during the second half at Footprint Center Dec. 12, 2023, in Phoenix, Ariz. (Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Nurkic was confused by what happened.
"What's going on with him, I don't know," he said. "Personally, I feel like that brother needs help. I'm glad he didn't try to choke me. ... That had nothing to do with basketball. I’m just out there trying to play basketball."
Green’s 18 career ejections are the most among active players.
Warriors head coach Steve Kerr spoke about Green's importance to the team. Green has been a part of four titles with the Warriors.
Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) reacts against the Phoenix Suns at Footprint Center in Phoenix, Ariz., Dec. 12, 2023. (Mark J. Rebilas/USA Today Sports)
"We need him. We need Draymond," Kerr said. "He knows that. We’ve talked to him. He’s got to find a way to keep his poise and be out there for his teammates."
Scott Thompson is a sports writer for Fox News Digital.
