Wolves’ Rudy Gobert says he feels ’empathy’ for Warriors rival Draymond Green

DALLAS — Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert feels “empathy” for rival Draymond Green following the Golden State Warriors forward's indefinite suspension.

The NBA's statement announcing Green's suspension for punching Phoenix Suns center Jusuf Nurkic in the face cited his “repeated history of unsportsmanlike conduct.” Green's previous suspension was a five-game ban for putting Gobert in a chokehold on Nov. 14, when Gobert grabbed Golden State guard Klay Thompson to try to break up an altercation with Minnesota forward Jaden McDaniels.

Gobert had been the frequent target of Green's public insults over the years, but he expressed concern for Green's well-being Thursday night.

“I have empathy for him,” Gobert told ESPN after an eight-point, 12-rebound performance in the Timberwolves' 119-101 win over the Dallas Mavericks. “You see someone who's not doing well inside and they're hurting. You take away the game and all that, and you want someone to be doing well and being able to do what we do every night, to compete and be happy.”

Gobert believes tough action from the league office was necessary because Green endangers the safety of other players. However, Gobert said he couldn't comment on whether Green's indefinite suspension was fair due to uncertainty over the length.

“I'm not sure what that actually means, so it's hard to say,” Gobert said. “I mean, you don't want anyone to get seriously hurt. You need to fix this. That's all.”