Warriors' focus on doing 'right things' to help Green, not punishment - ESPN

LOS ANGELES — The Golden State Warriors are committed to forward Draymond Green, despite his indefinite suspension for punching Phoenix's Jusuf Nurkic in the face.

On Thursday, Warriors general manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. said part of the decision to not put a hard number on Green's suspension was to ensure there would be time for Green to get himself in a place where he can be around the team long-term. They are truly approaching the indefinite timeline as such, and have no idea in mind as to when Green could possibly return.

That being said, Dunleavy couldn't ensure there would ever be a change in Green's behavior.

«I can't guarantee you that,» Dunleavy said. «I can just say we will continue to do the right things to help him. I think we've done a decent job at that in the past and we'll continue to work through it all. There are a lot of parties involved. The biggest thing here to me is not the punishment, it's helping and giving assistance.»

On Wednesday night, the league announced Green's suspension timeline will be tied to him meeting «certain league and team conditions before he returns to play.»

«We want to see you at your best and the best way for you to do that is to get yourself mentally and emotionally back to where you need to be,» NBA Executive Vice President Joe Dumars said on ESPN's First Take. «That's how we got to indefinite.»

ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported that Green, Dunleavy and Green's agent Rich Paul are expected to meet Thursday to start discussing a path of counseling and help for Green to move forward.

But, Green will remain with the team throughout his suspension, though he's not expected to be there every day. Dunleavy said it would be more beneficial for Green to stay connected to the group