Warriors GM reportedly forced to address team's poor sportsmanship
For as much as they are hated in some corners, there really is quite a bit to admire about the Golden State Warriors.
Golden State plays a unselfish brand of basketball, with two of the best shooters in history of the game in Steph Curry and Klay Thompson.
Sure, many criticized Kevin Durant for joining the enemy, but the guy wanted a ring — and ended up being MVP of the NBA Finals.
Draymond Green came from the rough streets of Saginaw, Michigan, and was passed over in the first round of the NBA draft.
And seriously, who wouldn’t want to hang out with super-cool head coach Steve Kerr?
Well, one group that would probably pass on that invite is the league’s officials, and now the team is worried payback might come down the road.
The champions have the second-most technical fouls in the entire league, with 39. The combustible Green has 14, the formerly mild-mannered Durant is right behind him at 11 and even Kerr has four.
If Green picks up two more, he’s suspended for a game. Durant is only five away from earning a one-game suspension.
And every two technicals after that earns the player another one-game suspension.
Between potentially losing his players and possible reciprocation during the postseason, it’s no wonder that Warriors general manager Bob Myers met with the squad expressing his concern.
“It’s not a good look,” Kerr told ESPN’s Chris Hayes, summing up Myers’ comments. “We need to look more professional, to act more professional, and to be more poised, and to represent our team in a better light. I don’t think we’ve been doing a good job of that lately.”
Myers meets with the team every 12 or so games, as sort of a “town hall” meeting, chatting about whatever is the topic du jour.
Green, no stranger to suspensions, is obviously the player with the least leeway. When asked about the meeting, Green kept the recap simple.
“Just do what we’re told,” Green said. “I don’t know. Just do what we’re told, I guess.”
And that includes the coach. Kerr says he identifies with Green, and they have to look out for their ugly sides.
“Draymond and I are actually more alike than you think,” Kerr said. “We both have the propensity to snap because we’re both incredibly competitive. We both lose it sometimes. That’s just the way it is.”
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