Adam Silver Accused of Entertaining Draymond Green’s Antics as 7x NBA Champ Raises Alarm on NBA’s Future

The NBA playoffs have long operated under an unspoken rule: the league often grants playoff physicality wider leeway. Officials often defer to physicality, letting hard fouls and borderline contact slide in the name of playoff intensity. Recent non-calls on Josh Hart’s contact and Luka Dončić’s late-game drive reinforced that leniency. But the Rockets–Warriors series took it further. What was once selective restraint became a free-for-all, blurring the line between tough defense and outright chaos. This time, the league’s loose whistle for Draymond Green had consequences.

In Game 4, Draymond Green’s flagrant foul on Tari Eason set off a benches-clearing melee. The NBA slapped him with multiple punishments, but that didn’t hold back Eason’s mother from erupting post-game: “That man just lost his father,” as others confronted Green. Rockets legend Vernon Maxwell even placed a “bounty” on him, exposing the raw emotions behind the Warriors-Rockets feud. Amid the fallout, Robert Horry chimed in.

On his story, Robert Horry blasted Green’s conduct, calling for stricter officiating: “You mad ‘coz the dude rip you and then all of a sudden you tackle him… You should’ve been thrown outta the game for that.” He criticized Green’s unnecessary aggression, from the jersey grab to escalating contact, and blasted the refs for losing control: “I get so mad at the refs… they haven’t controlled him and the sh*t he does.” Pointing out Adam Silver’s leniency.

Mar 22, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) argues a call against the Atlanta Hawks in the first quarter at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images

But Draymond wasn’t Horry’s biggest concern. It was the dangerous message that situations like these send. “It’s bad for the game… kids watching think that sh*t is okay, that’s how you win games.” Horry’s core worry wasn’t a single brawl—it was precedent: “‘I wanna be like Draymond’, it’s uncalled for.” For Horry, this shift toward reckless physicality risks corrupting basketball’s fundamentals: “It’s a good, clean game… why you doing that? That sh*t is awful for the game.”

The NBA has gradually adjusted its officiating over the years to curb excessive physicality, moving away from the “Bad Boys” Pistons era toward emphasizing skill and player safety. However, the league’s inconsistent enforcement, especially in the playoffs, creates a gray area where players like Green exploit the tolerance for aggression. This melee has reignited calls for clearer foul standards.

The greater impact of missing accountability

Stephen Curry chose diplomacy over censure, drawing criticism for his silence. Curry opted to “respect” his teammate, posting “Definitely my DPOY too” on Instagram. Yet issued no public rebuke for Green’s dangerous tackle on Tari Eason. This silence isn’t leadership; it’s complicity. When franchise players avoid condemning clear breaches of sportsmanship, they normalize the idea that talent outweighs integrity, eroding team culture and fan trust in the process.

The ripple effect reaches younger NBA players, emulating these behaviors. Dillon Brooks, who openly modeled his game after Draymond’s “edge,” now faces suspensions and criticism for crossing the same lines. Ja Morant’s unchecked antics, from guns to confrontations, mirror this same pattern of star entitlement. When veterans stay silent, rising players interpret it as endorsement: aggression equals dominance, and consequences are for lesser talents.

At the grassroots level, the damage multiplies. A 2023 study by Hiram Lannes found that trash-talking and aggressive demeanor give players a competitive edge but come with dangerous side effects. While it motivates opponents to play harder, it also leads to increased cheating and hurts performance on creative plays. This mirrors concerns about NBA stars like Draymond Green. In other words, when kids see pros flagrantly cross lines without consequence, they learn that winning justifies dirty tactics.

The solution starts with accountability. Stars like Curry must recognize their influence extends beyond stats. Their words (or lack thereof) validate or reject toxic behavior. The NBA needs stricter, consistent penalties for misconduct, regardless of a player’s stature. Until then, the cycle continues: kids watch, players mimic, and the game drifts further from its core values. As Robert Horry warned, this isn’t just about one player, it’s about basketball’s soul.

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