Stephen A. stunned by Draymond’s first technical foul originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area
Stephen A. Smith had some interesting comments about Draymond Green’s technical foul in the Warriors’ first game of the season.
On ESPN’s “First Take” on Thursday, Smith acknowledged that Green got into an argument with an official during the second quarter of the team’s 139-104 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers.
“You know, this is what bothers me,” Smith said. “Because I have a lot of love and respect for Draymond. And I hate using the word ‘problem,’ because people take issues and talk about them. He’s uncomfortable with that, and I’m uncomfortable with that.
“I think between March of 2023 and December of 2023, he was suspended about four times. We know we’re going to win Game 1 of this season against Portland. Why? Why? Why? Why?
Outspoken sports commentators doubled down on their criticism of Greene, expressing outrage at his continued pattern of behavior.
“There’s nothing in your mind that says, ‘This is won, it’s Game 1, no big deal,'” Smith explained.
“You don’t have any of that in you? And at the end of the day, I know the passion that he relies on, that’s what makes him great. He’s a future Hall of Famer. He’s an invaluable asset. It has all of those things.
“But he’s also the person who says the most indiscreet things when it comes to officials. And there’s no way to ignore that. And last night, he was indicted. Because they’re going to label you… Because you know they can get you in at any time. And if you can’t control yourself in the first game of the regular season against the Portland Trail Blazers. If you can avoid technical problems, I don’t know what to say.
Green received a technical foul in the second quarter of the game for arguing with the officials over a previous call. The foul didn’t affect the flow of the game as Golden State’s offense lit up the scoreboard, but it was another unfortunate outburst from Green.
The 34-year-old is known for his intense and aggressive style of play, which has given him trouble in the NBA. His lowest ranking was last season’s suspension for punching Phoenix Suns center Jusuf Nurkic in the face.
Still, Golden State coach Steve Kerr understands that Green’s passionate style of play will lead to improved technical ability.
“You can’t ask Draymond to play with this incredible passion…and you can’t say to him, ‘No, no.’ You have to tone it down, ‘It’s all part of the package. … There’s going to be a lot of technical issues,” Kerr said after the win.
Green’s role as a tone-setter and defensive stopper during his 13 seasons with the Warriors was a major factor in the team’s four NBA titles during that span.
With Golden State’s new team without Klay Thompson, the four-time All-Star hopes to keep his temper in check and help the team return to postseason glory.
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