Draymond Green Says His Long Suspension Helped Warriors’ Depth

The Golden State Warriors are 8–4 since Draymond Green returned from his 19-game suspension on January 15. One could easily attribute such success to Green's insertion back into the lineup. But even Green himself doesn't exactly see it that way. 

In fact, he believes that his absence was beneficial to the Warriors. 

After Golden State’s latest victory, a 129–107 dispatching of the Utah Jazz on Monday night, Green spoke to the media, explaining that his time away boosted the team's depth, allowing certain players in the rotation to take a step forward, according to Anthony Slater of The Athletic. 

“Honestly getting suspended helped. [Jonathan Kuminga]‘s taken off. And that has kind of set the stage for this team. Bona fide No. 2 option on our team. Now, you’ve got different things, you’re able to figure out different things. Our offense don’t look the same like it used to,” Green said. 

Green made sure to note that, while he didn’t want to get suspended, his absence allowed Kuminga to emerge as a secondary scoring option for the Warriors. He also explained how the team has been able to tinker with different “combinations that work.” 

Draymond Green sees a silver lining in his recent suspension.

John Hefti/USA TODAY Sports

Golden State is playing as well as it did during its 6–1 start to the 2023–24 campaign. Green has maintained his edge, but hasn’t taken things too far. 

Perhaps there was a silver lining to his suspension after all.