The biggest drama off the court during the 2016 NBA playoffs was all about groins. Groins stole the show in particular thanks to Draymond Green and his punts towards a man’s nether region.
There was heavy debate about what the NBA should do. Without an official rule against it, properly judging a punishment was hard throughout the playoffs. Green eventually was suspended in part due to his multiple instances of groin kicks.
Now it appears that the NBA referees to begin to closely monitor these potential groin kicks going forward. Draymond might have to switch up how he plays just a little bit.
Following from Brian Mahoney of the Associated Press.
NBA referees will be cracking down this season on the kind of hits to the groin area that resulted in Draymond Green’s suspension during the NBA Finals.
They also will more closely monitor traveling after complaints from coaches that players are getting away with too many steps on the perimeter.
The referees were informed and instructed about those items this week during their preseason meetings and training camp.
The hits to the groin — termed “unnatural acts” by the league — are a point of emphasis after a number of situations involving Green during the postseason. Golden State’s All-Star forward had a habit of flailing his arms or legs and a few times made contact with opponents in the groin area.
Joe Borgia, the NBA senior vice president of replay and referee operations, said players are no longer just swinging their arms in attempt to draw a foul when taking a shot.
“Now all of a sudden legs are coming out in different directions at weird times, they’re coming higher,” he said. “Well, for the protection of the players, we’re going to stop it.”
