Kevin Durant is not surprised that Draymond Green avoided a suspension for kicking Steven Adams in the groin, but that doesn’t mean the Oklahoma City Thunder star agrees with the NBA’s decision.
On Tuesday, Durant hinted to reporters that he fully expected Green to receive preferential treatment.
Kevin Durant: "They're not going to suspend Draymond Green. He's one of the premier players in the league." pic.twitter.com/lSAIIwyuA2
— Royce Young (@royceyoung) May 24, 2016
“I didn’t even think it was something we should be talking about. They’re not gonna suspend Draymond Green,” Durant said. “He’s one of the premier players in the league on arguably one of the best teams in the history of the game. They’re not gonna suspend him.
“I didn’t even really think about it. I knew the league was gonna let him play or fine him or upgrade him to a Flagrant 2. We all knew that was gonna happen. The league is about business.”
Green was very fortunate to avoid a suspension, especially after Cleveland Cavaliers guard Dahntay Jones was already suspended one game for punching Toronto Raptors big man Bismack Biyombo in the groin area over the weekend. Green, of course, said he doesn’t think a punch can ever be compared to a kick.
As we mentioned on Monday, Green does have a history of kicking his leg out in an attempt to draw a foul call. You can see a video of another example here. Perhaps the league gave him a break because of that, though Durant seems to think it has everything to do with the player and the team.
