On November 14th, 2019, Detroit Pistons President of Basketball Operations, Joe Dumars, made the difficult decision to suspend Draymond Green for one game. The suspension came after Green had a heated verbal altercation with teammate Kevin Durant during a game against the Los Angeles Clippers.
In a statement released by the Pistons, Dumars said that while he respects Green’s passion and intensity, the organization could not condone his behavior. He went on to say that Green’s actions were detrimental to the team and that the suspension was necessary in order to maintain a professional environment.
Dumars also acknowledged that Green is an important part of the team and that he values his contributions both on and off the court. He said that the organization is committed to helping Green grow as a player and a person, and that they will continue to work with him to ensure that he is able to reach his full potential.
The suspension was met with criticism from some fans and media members who felt that it was too harsh. However, Dumars defended his decision, saying that it was necessary in order to maintain a positive team atmosphere. He also noted that the suspension was not meant to be punitive, but rather a way to help Green learn from his mistakes and grow as a player.
Ultimately, Joe Dumars made the difficult decision to suspend Draymond Green in order to maintain a professional environment and help him grow as a player. While the decision was met with criticism from some, Dumars defended it as necessary for the betterment of the team.