Draymond Green of the Warriors believes that Jusuf Nurkic needs help

Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green recently shared his thoughts on Phoenix Suns center Jusuf Nurkic during an episode of The Draymond Green Show with Baron Davis. Green commented on a recent one an altercation involving Nurkic during the Suns’ 98-89 loss to the Dallas Maverickswhich led to suspensions for Nurkic and two other players, Nadzi Marshall and PJ Washington.

“I didn’t really understand what was going on,” Green said, reflecting on the incident. “(The Suns) were getting ready to play us the next day and he just, out of nowhere, picked a fight and then swung.

After the fight, Nurkic was suspended for three games. Green expressed surprise at the behavior and speculated about possible reasons for it.

“I hope that brother got the help he needed because. It was, like, out of nowhere, like something was wrong in life. “He must be going through a really tough time in his life to swing like that,” Green said. “Or maybe, just maybe, he didn’t want to play against the team he was supposed to face the next day.” That could be a thought.”

Draymond Green questions the behavior of Jusuf Nurkic, calls him to ask for help

Green also criticized Nurkic’s reaction to the incident, pointing to the Suns center’s subsequent actions on the field.

“It was just amazing to see him swing like that and then they push him to the ground, cry, start whining about it and grab his face.” I was really shocked,” Green said. “You can’t swing and then push yourself to the ground and grab your face and cry about it. Once you swing, you’re the one who sets the tone for who you are.”

Green and Nurkic have a history of contentious encounters, highlighted by a game last season when Green was ejected after drawing a flagrant 2-point foul on Nurkic in a game on December 12, 2023. That incident led to a 12-game suspension for Green, further intensifying their competitive dynamic.

The Warriors and Suns have already met twice this season, splitting the matches. The next chapter in their rivalry is set for Jan. 31 at the Chase Center, with the game televised nationally on ESPN.

Green’s comments, delivered with his characteristic candor, shed light on the tensions surrounding Nurkic, who has come under scrutiny for his actions on and off the court. “But that brother needs help and I hope he gets it,” Green concluded.

As the season progresses, the clash between these two teams could add to their growing rivalry, with Green and Nurkic at the center of the drama.