Jusuf Nurkic Reverses Course On Draymond Green, Says He 'Don't Deserve A Second Chance'

Last night was the first time Phoenix Suns center Jusuf Nurkic and Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green met since Green’s suspension. Things got interesting, to say the least.

If you recall, Green got suspended indefinitely in December for punching Nurkic in the face. Even after blatantly hitting a guy in the head, Green tried to paint the incident as accidental after the game.

That’s about as immature a response as you could come up with in that situation. 

But, The Athletic’s Anthony Slater reported that in the 10 games Green has played in since his return on January 15, he’s been incredibly impactful for Golden State. Additionally, he's obtained zero technical or flagrant fouls, a shocking stretch of good behavior from Green.

Was this a sign that Green had put aside the loathsome personality of year’s past and finally showed some maturity?

Maybe, for a time. But it certainly didn’t last long.

Green and Nurkic went at each other during last night’s 113-112 Warriors win, and traded "too small" taunts after they scored on each other. The Warriors forward jawed with Nurkic at various points throughout the game.

Draymond Green Had No Reason To Try To Start Drama With Nurkic

After examining all this, I tried to justify Green’s actions. On one hand, I can see why he’d be motivated to trash talk with Nurkic. The last time these two guys crossed paths, Green got suspended for his part of the interaction, so I can understand the motivation to want to beat this specific guy.

But even so, Nurkic didn’t provoke Green to be violent in December, he did that by himself. Still, Green chose to get confrontational with the Suns’ center last night and start more drama with a guy who did nothing wrong the first time around. There really is no logical way to justify Green’s behavior. 

That’s why, after the game, Nurkic blasted Green for his conduct and said he shouldn’t have gotten a second chance to remain in the league. 

This was a strong reversal from his comments in December after the initial incident.

Of course, Green took that opportunity to make it seem like Nurkic is the bigger problem. In his typical insufferable fashion, Green accepted no responsibility for his conduct and chose to disrespect his opponent.

Green may have earned a severe punishment for punching Nrukic, and he may have changed his ways for a month.

But last night’s press conference showed us one thing.

Draymond is still the same old Draymond, and that’s not a good thing. It’s going to take a lot more to convince anyone otherwise.