Draymond Green was hit with a flagrant 1 foul after accidentally kicking James Harden in the face. Green has become known for these kicks, and was famously suspended during game five of the NBA Finals after delivering one of those kicks to the groin of LeBron James. Green lashed out after the game, feeling that he was being targeted and his kicks are the natural reaction of his body and are unintentional. Some people long for the basketball of the 80’s/90’s where the game was more physical and players weren’t penalized. Gary Payton agrees the game is softer now, but he thinks it’s a good thing.
Payton was speaking with TMZ Sports, and says it’s a good thing that NBA commissioner Adam Silver is making the game safer for the players, and he’s doing a great job.
He says if Green is allowed to get away with that move, then kids watching would do the same in their smaller leagues and say it’s okay because Green did it.
