Golden State Warriors big man Draymond Green has been suspended since Dec. 13 after hitting Phoenix Suns center Jusuf Nurkic in the face.
Though no exact timeline for Green’s return has been offered since then, NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski offered a rough idea as to when the four-time champion could get back on the floor.
“Green is allowed to condition and practice with the Warriors, but it is unlikely he returns to the team facility on a regular basis before early January, sources said,” Wojnarowski wrote. “Among those involved in this process, there’s a general belief that his suspension will cover a range of 11-to-13 games — barring any setbacks.”
Exactly one week ago, it was reported that Green would miss at least three more weeks. Based on that information, which was provided by Shams Charania, one might assume that Golden State’s Jan. 10 matchup against the New Orleans Pelicans is the earliest Green would return.
So far, Green has missed six games, and the team has gone 5-1 (currently on a five-game winning streak) in his absence. It seems like things are finally starting to click for the Warriors, who are now back over .500 for the first time since mid-November.
Based off of Wojnarowski’s and Charania’s reports, it seems like fans should expect Green to make his return during the latter half of his team’s upcoming home stand. Missing a total of 11 games would put Green on track to return on Jan. 5 against the Detroit Pistons.
More information on his situation will likely be provided once the calendar flips to 2024.
Despite getting ejected three times and suspended twice so far this season, Green has put up solid numbers when available. He’s currently recording 9.7 points, 5.5 rebounds and 5.8 assists per game while knocking down 49.0 percent of his shots from the field and 42.9 percent of his attempts from beyond the arc. The 3-point percentage marks a career-high for him by a decent margin.
The Warriors are 7-8 with Green this season and 8-6 without him. Despite having more success without him on the floor, Golden State likely wants to get him back in the lineup as soon as possible.
Only time will tell exactly when Green makes his return to the court. He’s likely itching to help his teammates as they climb up the Western Conference standings.
Golden State’s next game is on Christmas Day at the Denver Nuggets in what will surely be a very exciting matchup.
