Kerr: Draymond isn't the only player who kicks to trick refs
Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr was thorough and honest in his assessment of Draymond Green's propensity to kick out at his opponents.
Green picked up a flagrant after kicking James Harden in the head in Thursday's double-overtime thriller against the Houston Rockets.
"It happens all the time," Kerr told Anthony Slater of the San Jose Mercury News of Green's kicking move. "(Dennis) Schroder did it to us the other night. Tried to draw a foul and I think he kicked Draymond, ironically enough. It's a difficult play for the refs to see."
"They've decided how they're going to call it. But there's no question that Draymond is going to be the focus of that role because we're always the focus, we're playing on national TV, it was a huge story line in the playoffs last year.
"Draymond is under the microscope. He knows that, we know that. Other guys may get away with it because it may not be recognized. Again, it's a tough play to see. But they're going to be watching for it with Draymond and that's the way it is. It's part of the price of being the team that we are, being in the spotlight. It's a good place to be, but there are repercussions and we have to be aware of that."
The reason for Green's kicks isn't to balance himself - he does it in hopes of drawing the foul from officials. That move is hardly exclusive to Green, according to Kerr.
"It's a reactionary thing trying to draw a foul. A lot of players have different things they do to show they're being fouled. Many of them kick, many of them flail their arms.
"Part of playing in the NBA is trying to fool the refs. James Harden's the best at it. He'll grab your arm and go up for a shot and it looks like it's a foul on you. It's smart. Lou Williams is just as good as Harden. Players are smart and they will try to trick the refs and try to do things to show you're getting fouled. Draymond's happens to be failing the legs."
Kerr did at least point out that Green may need to change up his tricks since the officials have clearly started to clue into his signature move.
"Other guys happen to do it, too. because it's being focused on, Draymond may have to adjust if he can."