“It was actually amazing” – Warriors’ Draymond Green loved his 12-game suspension for heartfelt Christmas moment

Draymond Green has lived most of his adult life with Christmas circled on an NBA calendar. In December 2023, his usual Christmas routine unexpectedly stopped. A league suspension forced Green away from the court and into his living room. It was a blessing in disguise for the Warriors veteran as he got to be right where his children were opening gifts.

The moment came during one of the most difficult stretches of his career. While Green was frustrated at the moment of the huge suspension, years later, he realized that it was the best Christmas moment of his life. Certainly, it was not the right way but almost every NBA star has the thirst to spend time with their family during this time.

Draymond Green Christmas suspension was a blessing in disguise

Draymond Green admitted that Christmas rarely feels familiar for NBA players. Road games often erase the traditions many grow up loving. His entire Christmas routine for a year changed during his 12-game suspension after the incident involving Jusuf Nurkic.

"That was great. It was actually f---ing amazing," Green told ESPN. "Usually it's weird because Christmas Day is not like what you remember as a kid, where you spend with your family. We've been on the road [five times, once when Green was suspended]. I know my 5-year-old's first Christmas, I was gone."

Instead of boarding a flight to Denver, Green stayed home. He opened presents with his children. He experienced a full Christmas morning. In previous seasons, he found small ways to cope, sometimes letting his kids open a gift before tipoff and saving the rest for later.

Despite being one of only 10 players to record a Christmas Day triple-double, Green admitted the holiday can feel heavy.

"As an NBA player, you want to be on that stage, marquee games and everybody's watching," Green said. "But as a human, it f---ing sucks, if I'm honest.

"... I absolutely loved as a kid watching NBA games on Christmas Day. Kobe Bryant and the white [Lakers] jerseys. I loved [Shaquille O'Neal]. ... But the NFL has started having games on Christmas Day, so maybe they take Christmas over and we go home."

Draymond Green Warriors suspension came during personal and professional strain

The suspension stemmed from a flagrant foul against Nurkic and added to a season filled with tension. The NBA cited Green’s history of unsportsmanlike acts and required meetings with league officials before his return. Financial penalties followed. So did public scrutiny.

"I am not one to apologize for things I mean to do, but I do apologize to Jusuf because I didn't intend to hit him," Green said after the game. "I sell calls with my arms ... so I was selling the call ... and I swung and unfortunately I hit him."

Inside the Warriors organization, they needed him available.

"We need him. We need Draymond. He knows that," coach Steve Kerr said. "He's got to find a way to keep his poise and be out there for his teammates."

Regardless, for Green, that unexpected suspension came as a gift and one of his most meaningful holiday memories.

As for Green, Joseph Dycus reported that Steve Kerr said having Draymond Green come off the bench is “not even a consideration for me,” noting that he likes the current starting lineup. Kerr also added that Green is willing to come off the bench if needed.

Also Read: “It always could be worse” – Carmelo Anthony’s son Kiyan reveals what really connects him with LeBron’s son Bronny James

Get an chance to win ₹5000 Amazon Voucher by taking part in India's Biggest Habit Index! Take the survey here