Draymond Green Return!

In a surprising turn of events, Draymond Green has officially made his comeback to the NBA after serving a 12-game suspension. Reports from ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski suggest that the Golden State Warriors forward will be spending about a week in a dedicated ramp-up period before hitting the courts again.

Having been away from the team during his suspension, Green is set to rejoin the Warriors at their practice facility on Sunday. The suspension, initiated on December 13, came on the heels of an incident where Green struck center Jusuf Nurkic in a game against the Phoenix Suns.

The NBA's decision to lift the indefinite ban came after Green demonstrated a commitment to aligning his conduct with the league's expectations. Engaging in counseling sessions and participating in joint meetings with NBA representatives, the Warriors, and the National Basketball Players Association were pivotal steps in the reinstatement process.

League sources reveal that the discussions, facilitated over video calls, included key figures like Green's agent Rich Paul, Warriors GM Mike Dunleavy Jr., and team trainer Rick Celebrini. These meetings were part of the "certain league and team conditions" outlined by the NBA for Green's return.

The league's proposed path to reinstatement primarily focused on counseling, following a series of on-court incidents involving Green, including an altercation with Rudy Gobert and the recent incident with Nurkic. Golden State endorsed the league's approach, with coach Steve Kerr emphasizing the need for transformative change in Green's behavior both on and off the court.

During Green's absence, contact with Kerr and teammates was limited, with Kerr stating the importance of creating space for both parties to focus on their respective goals.

The suspension came at a financial cost for Green, who lost just under $2 million during the 12-game hiatus. Interestingly, the Warriors benefited from nearly $9 million in savings on their projected luxury tax bill.

The Warriors' performance during Green's absence has been a mixed bag, with a 7-5 record. Overall, Golden State stands at 10-10 this season when Green hasn't been in action, be it due to injury or suspension, boasting a 7-8 record in the 15 games he played.

Looking ahead, the Warriors are gearing up to host the Toronto Raptors and New Orleans Pelicans, followed by road trips to face the Chicago Bulls and Milwaukee Bucks in the coming week. The team and fans alike are eager to witness Green's return and its potential impact on their performance.