SAN FRANCISCO -- Draymond is enjoying basketball more these days. It's not because the Golden State Warriors are now 5-1, after winning 103-82 against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Saturday.
Green unprompted said, "Can I also tell you how satisfying it's been watching the game of basketball sans all those bulls---calls?" "I'm sorry, but I'm not supposed curse in interviews. It is so satisfying to be able to just watch the game and not have to make any terrible calls. Guys cheating the game by grabbing men and getting the foul. This year, I have really enjoyed watching basketball.
"I had kind of stopped watching the NBA because it was too flailing and flopping, and the guys cheating the game and getting away with it. That's why I think it's been so great. It would be remiss of me not to mention it because I think it's been amazing.
This summer, the NBA enacted new rules that prohibit offensive players from initiating contact or flailing while trying draw foul calls. Green, one the league's most trusted defenders, said that the players have felt the changes in the way the game was being called.
Green stated, "You can feel it 100 percent." Because there are no more men trying to draw fouls by throwing garbage at each other. This game became about who could draw the most fouls. It's not something anyone wants to see, and it is certainly not something you want to do. You can definitely feel the difference. It's pure basketball, and that's great news for our game.
Stephen Curry, a two-time MVP, agreed with Green's assessment. He said there are fewer "egregious" plays which makes the games more enjoyable to watch.
Curry stated, "I have been following the league and for most part, I would say about 9 of 10 calls that used go the opposite way are not now." Curry said that there are likely some who aren't yet in the gray zone where they will become more consistent. However, it's great news for the game. It's a great game and I know that a lot of people love it. It's a great way for defensive players to enjoy it. We can put the ball in basket and focus on that. It's not a difficult adjustment for me, as I have tried it throughout my career. But I do like it."
Green acknowledged that these issues have been ongoing for a while, but he praised the league for making it happen. He also noted that the Olympics, which are under FIBA rules, likely helped to push for the change in officiating.
Green specifically mentioned James Harden, a Brooklyn Nets guard, as someone who took advantage the old game's name and inspired younger players to do so.
Green stated that James is a master at this. He's a master at driving, drawing fouls and fouls from the three point line. He was a 24-for-24 free-throw hitter. It's hard to guard when you have a man like that, who can be so shifty and hook you the instant you touch them. It was easy to see that a lot of men were learning it. But James was the one who taught them all.
Green, a defender, said that the inability to get more physical with players and the call of the whistles always loomed in his head. Green, as both a player but also a fan, is happy that adjustments have been made regarding offensive players trying create contact.
Green stated that the game is "flowing better." Green said, "And I believe you're seeing better basketball. You are not seeing 147 to 139. I believe I saw Washington and the Celtics go to double overtime. The final score was probably 104-102. The other day we went to overtime and the final score was 104-101. There's some great basketball happening. The NBA deserves all the credit for that. It was great to see.
