Here is why Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green won’t be suspended for Game 4 of the Western Conference Finals.
The NBA made a big statement on Monday evening, when they decided to not suspend Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green for Game 4 of the Western Conference Finals against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
After Green had kicked Thunder center Steven Adams in the groin on Sunday night, the league has determined it unintentional and NBA VP of Basketball Operations Kiki Vandeweghe weighed in on the decision they made and why they decided not to suspend Green.
According to Vandeweghe, the league felt that it was simply a player flailing their legs.
The NBA's VP VanDeWeghe:
— Kurt Helin (@basketballtalk) May 23, 2016
“During a game, players – at times – flail their legs in an attempt to draw a foul.”
While that’s certainly going to have some rolling their eyes and others agreeing, the league was put in a position where they really couldn’t win on this one.
Had they suspended Green like they did Dahntay Jones of the Cleveland Cavaliers, then they would have been accused of ruining the integrity of the series and pushing Oklahoma City forward.
By not suspending Green, they are open to claims of double standards, but there was really no right decision to be made. In the end, the league felt they made what was the best call and have decided to stand by it.
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