Draymond Green might have to face the music if the NBA decides to hand the All-Star forward a flagrant foul for his incidents during the Golden State Warriors game 4 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers. Green is one flagrant foul away from hitting the mark for warranting a suspension in the NBA playoffs.
Green and Cavs star LeBron James got into a little scuffle after Green hit the deck and LeBron proceeded to step over him. Green took exception to this, promptly got up and swung at James, attempting to hit him in the arm and apparently said a magic word that irked LeBron. The incident between the two NBA All-Stars and business partners escalated to the point where they both stopped, got into each others face, in the middle of a play. At the time, the refs handed out a double foul and that was the end of that.
Now it appears that Green might have to sit out for game 5 if the NBA decides to hand him a flagrant foul and it will automatically trigger a suspension. Or, the league could just outright suspend him.
Following from Marc J. Spears of ESPN.
There is growing concern in GS camp that Draymond could be suspended for Game 5 after incident with LeBron, source. Interviews taken place.
— Marc J. Spears (@MarcJSpearsESPN) June 12, 2016
Draymond said before the NBA Finals started that he wasn’t worried about a possible suspension and there might not be much there to warrant giving him a flagrant foul or a suspension. At the time, maybe technicals could have been issued but none were and play proceeded. It would be very surprising if Green is suspended but his actions have come under immense scrutiny during the 2016 NBA Playoffs, so the league office might have reached their limit with him.
UPDATE (6/12/16):
Draymond Green has been assessed a Flagrant 1 foul for the groin shot on LeBron James and will be suspended for Game 5, the league has announced. Green will be allowed to return to the arena after the game officially ends if the Warriors win the Championship Monday night.
“I don’t care who you are. I’m not gonna back down from you”, Green said after the game. Green feels as though the incident was initiated by LeBron, who intentionally stepped over him in the play.
Green’s actions may prove to be costly, as the Warriors have a chance to close out the series at home Monday night in Game 5. Without Draymond Green’s defense, rebounding, and leadership present, the Warriors could potentially find themselves traveling back to Cleveland for Game 6 if they lose tomorrow.
Cavaliers forward LeBron James was assessed a technical foul upon further league review and is available to play in Game 5.
Here’s the official press release:
