Some players play their best when toeing the line between passion and out of control. They feed off that intensity to drive them and fire up their teammates to play their A-game.
For Golden State Warriors star Draymond Green , that fire has been crucial to his success on the court. However, finding that balance between controlled aggression and reckless abandon has always been tricky for the do-it-all forward from Saginaw, Michigan.
Most of the time, Dray's intensity serves as the heartbeat of the Warriors. When the 6-foot-6 forward is fully engaged, he can be a nightmare for opposing teams on both ends of the court. But that same passion has also led Draymond down some rocky paths, including multiple ejections and suspensions—including a costly one in the 2016 NBA Finals—throughout his NBA career.
However, none of those instances have changed head coach Steve Kerr 's belief that Draymond's competitive spirit makes him most effective for the Dubs.
A long night in Orlando
In a game against the Orlando Magic in late March, Green spent more time in the locker room than on the floor. Less than four minutes into the contest, he was ejected for incurring consecutive technical fouls due to his constant arguing with referee Ray Acosta.
Although the Warriors won that game, 101-93, Golden State star Steph Curry couldn't hide his emotions. At one point, he put his jersey over his head to hide his frustration.
Speaking on the latest episode of Club 520, the 2017 Defensive Player of the Year winner shared what Steph told him inside their locker room that night.
"Steph told me after the game, 'Yo, I need you out there. Whatever it is, I just need you out there,'" Green revealed .
Dray's importance to Steph and Golden State cannot be overstated. When Green is on the floor, they have an eagle-eyed playmaker who connects with Curry, allowing him to be the lethal sharpshooter on the perimeter or setting him up for an easy basket inside.
But it's not just about their chemistry. Green is also a vital part of the Warriors' defense, able to switch onto any position and disrupt plays with his quick feet and hands. His vocal leadership and fiery passion also motivate the team when needed.
Related: Draymond Green on how Rich Paul helped him buy his first house in Los Angeles: "I'm not letting ya'll buy this house"
Kerr knows better than to temper Dray's fire
Steve has been Draymond's coach for ten years. Throughout that time, they have had numerous conversations about his fiery personality and how to channel it properly. Kerr has learned that trying to suppress Green's intensity only stifles the passion and energy he brings to the team.
That night in Orlando, Dray shared that his head coach approached and talked to him about the incident earlier in the game. But rather than rebuke him, Kerr told Green to keep playing with that competitive edge and not to let anyone take it away from him.
"Steve came to me after the game and was like, 'Yo, you good?' I said, 'Yeah.' He responded, 'Great. I'm not about to make a big deal out of this. You're going to get kicked out sometimes. By the way, I need you to get kicked out sometimes. I need you to be who you are,'" the four-time All-Star shared.
Last season was a trying time for Green and the Dubs. Dray was ejected and suspended numerous times, including an indefinite suspension that lasted a dozen games after he struck Phoenix Suns center Jusuf Nurkic in the face during a game. As the Dubs prepare for the upcoming season, Dray will again play a critical role in the team's success with his passion and leadership.
Related: "It's disgusting, it's nasty" - Draymond Green on Klay Thompson wearing #31 with the Mavs
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