“We both look forward to yelling at each other,” Kerr joked. “Last couple of weeks have been way too cordial.”
Green, who’s been sidelined since Dec. 8 with a sore shoulder, said after the team’s shoot-around that he felt “bored” during his two-week hiatus from the court, even vying to return to action early, before Kerr nixed the plan.
“He’s worked and scrapped for everything he’s got and he’s gotten there through sheer determination,” Kerr said. “So a guy like that does not want to sit out any games. But I think he’s recognized the importance of as we go through the season of being smart, getting rest
when he’s injured, when he’s banged up, in order to keep his body fresh for the long haul.
Kerr also said the Green’s approach to missing extended time has evolved over the coach’s four years with the team. During Kerr’s first two years, the two had disagreements, most notably during halftime of a Feb. 27, 2016, game against the Oklahoma City Thunder, when the player and coach had to be restrained by teammates.
Since then, with the help of three straight NBA Finals appearances, their relationship has strengthened.
“We have a great relationship,” Kerr said. “I think the fact that we’ve been through everything over the last few years allows us to yell at each other sometimes and passionately argue things. We trust each other. I think that he’s more willing to accept an opinion from [Warriors GM] Bob [Myers] and from me these than he would have a few years ago. I think he’s very comfortable in the fact that we have his best interest at heart and he’s also comfortable with the knowledge that comes from three straight NBA Finals trips. How difficult it is and making certain things a priority.”
Green’s energy even brought a spirit back to the team’s Friday shootaround, according to Kerr, which the coach hopes can put a “jolt” in an already successful team.
“He’s where he belongs,” Kerr said. “This is what he’s supposed to do is play, compete and get up and down the floor, this is who Draymond is.”