Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green. Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Warriors have stern request for Draymond Green upon return

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports
By Renzo Pocholo Salao | Last updated 1/10/24

Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green is back with the team. But it won’t be the status quo for the four-time All-Star upon his return.

Warriors head coach Steve Kerr spoke to reporters on Tuesday about the “challenge” set upon Green as he comes back from his indefinite suspension. The team wants Green to “leave the officials alone” no matter how he feels about certain calls made on the floor.

“It’s a big part of it,” said the Warriors coach. “We’ve talked about it. Can he walk that line? Can he still play with fire and energy, but leave the officials alone? That’s the challenge. It’s going to be a big challenge. But we’re going to ask him to do that.”

Steve Kerr said the Warriors are asking Draymond Green to leave referees alone upon his return.

“His teammates need that so we can focus on all the details that are eluding us right now.” pic.twitter.com/vMo31zYoLw

— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) January 9, 2024

Green has led the NBA in technical fouls thrice in his career. He has been the runner-up three more times while being at least in the top six since the 2014-15 season.

Green’s hot-headed streak coincided exactly with the start of the Warriors’ championship run that yielded four titles in eight seasons. It’s a perfect illustration of the double-edged conundrum Green’s fiery play presents.

But after the Warriors star’s recent stretch of violent encounters on the court, it was finally time to douse some of the fire that’s defined Green throughout his career.

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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