ESPN Insiders Confirm Draymond Green’s Fate as Injured Stephen Curry Urged to Change Locker-Room Stance

The Minnesota Timberwolves demolished the Golden State Warriors in Game 2 without their primary star, Stephen Curry. However, Draymond Green came very close to creating more burdens. For the fifth time in nine games, he received a technical foul. This time, he elbowed Naz Reid in the head. Enraged by the call, Green nearly got himself thrown out by his uncontrollable reaction to the decision. Within the team, though, the Warriors seem to have accepted his demeanor.

After the game, Steve Kerr spoke about how Green’s passion compels him to remain on the edge. But right now, the Warriors can’t show such patience. Having already piled up five technicals and two flagrant fouls, Green is truly walking on eggshells. Two more of either, and the defensive maestro will be hit with a one-game suspension.

Within the Hoop Collective crew, they predict the veteran forward won’t be able to keep his poise. “Dude, it’s not, it’s not an if Draymond’s going to be suspended during his playoffs. It’s a when because I don’t think he can. I know maybe, maybe the only way, the only way I’ll be wrong is if Golden State loses in five,” said Tim MacMahon about the possibility of Green getting suspended.

Taking Green’s history not into account, the same happened during the 2016 NBA Finals. A sequence with LeBron James landed him his fourth flagrant foul point, leading to a suspension for Game 6. Many analysts, including Tim Bontemps, feel that the error “cost his team a title”. The situation is no different right now.

Mar 22, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) argues a call against the Atlanta Hawks in the first quarter at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images

The Warriors are still 11 wins away from being potential champions. However, having their vocal leader on the floor is paramount. Stephen Curry’s hamstring injury is likely to keep him out until Game 5 of their series against the Minnesota Timberwolves. So, having Draymond Green’s intellect and defensive prowess is key to the Warriors.

However, with his emotions often getting the best of him, the line is now very thin for Draymond Green.

Draymond Green needs to change

The implication of Draymond Green flailing even once more in the postseason could be severe for the Golden State Warriors. Since becoming an integral part of the Bay dynasty, the franchise has allowed Green to be himself. At times, the costs have been heavy. An infuriated Bontemps pointed out, “This guy sucker punched his teammate, and then his teammate was turned into the villain,” referring to his incident with Jordan Poole.

Sadly, that’s one of the few examples where the 35-year-old’s temper has led to troubles for his team. Of course, when his antics reached their limits last season, he took repairing steps. Green has attended regular therapy sessions and even shared an apology to the team. Even with those things, this year seems to be a repeat.

In Bontemps’ view, the Warriors have always “excused” Draymond Green for his actions. That’s the reason he is beyond reasoning. “It’s truly embarrassing the way the league has allowed this to fester to the point where this guy just walks around and acts like he is aggrieved every second he’s on the court while he’s committing a flagrant or a technical foul every single game,” Bontemps vented.

But now, getting their floor general in the right headspace is paramount. The Warriors can’t afford to lose another pillar of their team. Although they possess Jimmy Butler, even he is playing through a hip injury. And while Green has been exemplary in his play, such lapses could cost the Warriors their season.

And time isn’t their friend anymore like it was in 2016. Maybe a talk from Stephen Curry, who would be dying to have a chance to fight for the Warriors’ crest, could work. Even Steve Kerr’s plea could go a long way in Draymond Green understanding. But the only person who can restrain him is Green himself.

As not only an important piece but a senior player, Draymond Green is well aware of how his absence could cost the Warriors. With only a three to four-year window left, each season is invaluable. And with practically no room for error, Green needs to avoid any sort of hostility. If I am the Timberwolves, they might try to instigate, knowing a suspension looms.

So the test isn’t easy by any means. But a fight against his tendencies right now is equivalent to Draymond Green pouring his effort for the Warriors.

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