NBA Must Make Example of Draymond Green

Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green is facing continued controversy for his repeated dirty antics dating back to the early points in his career.

Green has already served a five game suspension for putting Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert in a headlock, and is facing yet another after striking Phoenix Suns center Jusuf Nurkic in the face in last night's game.

NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski has already confirmed that Green will serve yet another suspension- the question this time is how many games he will ultimately be held out of.

"Draymond Green will be suspended. Whether that's today or sometime tomorrow... The question is how long he'll be suspended for."

Woj says Draymond will miss time after striking Jusuf Nurkic in the face during last night's game.

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— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) December 13, 2023

The simple truth is another five-game suspension won't cut it.

Green has utilized about every dirty tactic in the book- from kicking, to punching, to poking LeBron James in the eye.

The suspensions that Green has faced in the past have clearly proved ineffective in teaching the troubled All-Star a lesson.

Commissioner Adam Silver has to put his foot down and make an example of Green, one that proves dirty play is not acceptable in the NBA and players will face real stakes for being a detriment to the league.

There are some issues at hand in that process, however. The NBA's process of punishing players is wildly inconsistent.

Memphis Grizzlies' star Ja Morant was suspended for 25 games for multiple public displays of guns/toy guns, while Charlotte Hornets' forward Miles Bridges was essentially handed a 10-game suspension for a serious domestic violence case.

The NBA's perceived laissez-faire approach when it comes to punishment makes it difficult to hand out a large suspension to Green. This also goes hand-in-hand with Warriors' fans reactions to a hefty suspension.

Suns React to Draymond Green Punch: 'He Needs Help'

The Warriors have both one of the biggest brands and most sizable fanbases in the entire NBA. A long Draymond suspension would almost assuredly draw ire from the fanbase and thus may have a negative impact on the league reputation wise- at least briefly.

Yet Silver must right wrongs of the past and suspend Green for 25 or more games- he needs to make clear that putting other players in danger and playing recklessly will not be tolerated.

Green's disruptive and dangerous antics are a bad reflection on the game of basketball, the NBA, and the Warriors. He must face adequate repercussions.