Draymond Green recently addressed Jusuf Nurkic’s suspension following a heated altercation in the Phoenix Suns’ game against the Dallas Mavericks. Green, who was reflecting on Nurkic’s actions, referenced a comment the Bosnian center made about him last season.

Green, known for his outspoken nature, was taken aback by the on-court incident that led to Nurkic’s suspension. “I didn’t quite understand what was going on,” Green said on The Draymond Green Show, via HoopsHype. “The Suns were about to play us the next day, and he just, out of nowhere, picked an argument and then swung.”

The fight between Nurkic and Mavericks forward Naji Marshall resulted in suspensions, with Nurkic receiving a three-game ban. Green noted how the altercation seemed to come without warning, leaving him surprised by the level of aggression displayed by the Suns center.

Reflecting on the situation, Green expressed concern for Nurkic’s well-being. “He must be going through a really hard time in life to swing like that,” he stated, highlighting his empathy despite the surprising nature of the fight. Green also speculated that Nurkic’s actions could have stemmed from a desire to avoid facing the Warriors the following day.

Green’s comments took on additional weight as he recalled a remark Nurkic made about him last season. After a previous altercation, Nurkic had said, “That brother needs some help.” Green now found himself echoing that sentiment, saying, “That brother needs some help, and I hope he gets it.”

The Suns center’s behavior had shocked many, and Green seemed to understand that there may be underlying issues at play. “Once you swing, you’re the one who set the tone for what it is,” Green noted, referring to the altercation’s escalation. He added that it was unusual for a player to swing and then act injured afterward, saying, “You can’t swing and then get pushed on the ground, grab your face, and cry about it.”