San Francisco Chronicle - (Sunday)
How Kerr views refs
Warriors head coach Steve Kerr leaned on thick sarcasm before Saturday’s game against the Rockets at Oracle Arena, where he fielded a long, meandering question about managing his relationship with NBA referees.
“I can’t relate,” Kerr said, smiling. “I’m perfect with the officials.”
The question came in the wake of Houston guard James Harden’s sharp criticism of Scott Foster after Thursday night’s game against the Lakers. Harden accused Foster of holding a grudge against him.
Kerr also had a run-in with referee Kenny Mauer on Feb. 13 in Portland. Mauer gave Kerr two technical fouls and ejected him after his loud, animated protest of a flagrant foul called on Draymond Green.
“There’s a balance you have to find,” Kerr said of his relationship with refs. “It’s competitive out there, it’s edgy. The great thing about the officials, honestly, is they don’t take it personally. That’s my experience.
“I got fined a lot of money last week for yelling at Kenny Mauer, and I deserved it. I love Kenny Mauer; he’s one of the best officials in the league. He understands I was backing up my guys, and the next time we see each other he’ll say hello and it will be cordial.
“It’s sort of a weird relationship (chuckling). It’s very strange. They sort of understand we’re going to yell at them, and then everyone understands you make up and move on.”
Green changes agents: Green is switching agents and will hire Rich Paul of Klutch Sports to represent him in basketball matters, according to two reports. Green potentially will become a free agent in summer 2020.
Yahoo Sports’ Chris Haynes was the first to report Green’s plans. Lakers forward LeBron James is Paul’s biggest client, but he has been in the news recently for another notable player: Pelicans center Anthony Davis. Paul went public with Davis’ request for New Orleans to trade him, and the NBA responded by fining Davis $50,000 for violating the collective bargaining agreement in going public with the demand.
Livingston back: Warriors guard Shaun Livingston rejoined the team for Saturday’s game. He missed Thursday night’s victory over Sacramento to be with his wife for the birth of their second child; Jonah Jazmine Livingston weighed in at 6 pounds.