Why Perk thinks Draymond should be suspended for Edey play originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area
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The last thing the Warriors need is another Draymond Green suspension.
And that’s exactly what Kendrick Perkins thinks is needed after the Golden State forward’s latest controversial foul.
Green was initially called for a taking foul on Grizzlies center Zach Edey midway through the third quarter of the Warriors’ 123-118 win over Memphis on Friday at Chase Center, before the foul was upgraded to a Flagrant 1 on Sunday.
Perkins explained on Tuesday’s episode of ESPN’s “First Take” why he believes Green should be suspended for the violation.
“I actually think Draymond should be suspended for a longer period of time,” Perkins said. “We’re talking about a play where he pulled the opponent’s Achilles tendon while the opponent was going in the opposite direction. And we’re talking about a man, Zach Edey, who [7-foot-4] probably 300 pounds. This could have been a season-ending injury here.
“And I understand, so many people say, ‘Oh, it’s a tough situation because it’s Draymond.’ Some people on the other side, like me, say, “Hey, this was a dirty play, he should be punished for this, he should be suspended,” and there are others who say, “Wait a minute, let’s take a deeper dive.” We don’t want to look like we’re poking fun at Draymond.” But if you ask me, he should be banned for a longer period. There is no room and no place in our game for this kind of action.”
Speaking to reporters after Friday’s game, Edey said the foul “was definitely not a basketball play.”
Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins expressed frustration with the play, which later led to a social media response from Green.
While he likely won’t agree with Perkins’ claim that Green should be suspended, Warriors coach Steve Kerr at least agrees with the league’s decision to upgrade the offense to a Flagrant 1.
“I agree; he grabbed it,” Kerr said Sunday of the upgraded foul. “Definitely take a foul as they shouted. But I had no problem upgrading it to a Flagrant 1. It’s not a basketball game. It was more than a take error.
The Warriors struggled with both of Green’s suspensions last season, and while further disciplinary action is unlikely at this point, another absence could certainly disrupt Golden State’s (10-3) red-hot start to the 2024-25 season.
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