Draymond Green claims there was no intent behind his kick to Steven Adams’ groin during Game 3 of the Western Conference Finals on Sunday, but that might not save him from being forced to sit out Game 4.
As Sam Amick of USA Today reminds us, the NBA has a history of suspending players for groin shots. Perhaps the worst news for Green is that Cleveland Cavaliers guard Dahntay Jones was suspended one game just hours before Green’s kick took place for punching Toronto Raptors big man Bismack Biyombo in the groin. Was there more obvious intent there than there was with Green? You be the judge:
From the league’s standpoint, there is probably no way to justify suspending Jones and not Green. And there is more precedent than that.
Last season, James Harden was suspended one game for basically grazing LeBron James’ crotch with his foot. You can see that video here. Marcus Smart faced the same punishment for what seemed like a much more blatant punch to Matt Bonner’s man region that same month. Even superstars have not received special treatment, as Dwyane Wade was slapped with a one-game ban several years ago for this kick to Ramon Sessions’ groin.
Not surprisingly, Steve Kerr believes the NBA should rescind the Flagrant 1 foul Green was assessed. Players on the other side think Green knew exactly what he was doing.
You can see the video of Green’s kick here.
