Steve Kerr: I've never seen Draymond Green in ‘better place emotionally’

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The Warriors are in better shape entering the NBA Finals than they were a year ago for a number of reasons. Outside of being well rested and having Kevin Durant, Golden State isn’t at risk of losing Draymond Green to suspension.

Green, who missed Game 5 of the 2016 Finals after getting assessed a Flagrant 1 foul for striking LeBron James in the groin, would need six technicals in the upcoming best-of-seven series against Cleveland to get suspended. It is a sign of progress from a player who has spent the past year trying to atone for contributing to Golden State’s Finals collapse to the Cavaliers.

“I’ve never seen (Green) in a better place emotionally,” said Steve Kerr, who filled in for acting head coach Mike Brown (flu) during the team’s post-practice media availability Monday. “Still playing with rage, desire and force, but totally under control.”

In the 2016 Finals against Cleveland, after his hit on James in Game 4 put him over the limit, Green was left to watch Game 5 from the Coliseum. Many considered his absence the turning point as the Warriors squandered a 3-1 series lead.

Aware that officials are especially wary of him, Green has made a point to limit his banter with referees. His 15 technicals in the regular season were one shy of a one-game suspension. Through 12 playoff games, Green only has one technical.

It has kept the focus on his performance. With Game 1 of the Finals looming Thursday at Oracle Arena, he ranks third in the league this postseason in blocks, sixth in assist-to-turnover ratio, seventh in assists and tied for 12th in rebounding. His 13.9 points per game are up 3.7 points from his regular-season average. Hardly considered a long-range marksman, Green is shooting 47.2 percent beyond the arc.

“He’s in a good spot, obviously,” Kerr said. “He’s got no flagrants, one ‘T’ and he’s playing out of his mind.”

Draymond Green speaks to members of the press during a Golden State Warriors practice in Oakland, California on May 26, 2017. For the third season in a row, The Warriors will face off with the Cavaliers during this year's N.B.A. Finals. less Draymond Green speaks to members of the press during a Golden State Warriors practice in Oakland, California on May 26, 2017. For the third season in a row, The Warriors will face off with the Cavaliers during ... more Photo: JOSH EDELSON, JOSH EDELSON / SAN FRANCISCO CHR Photo: JOSH EDELSON, JOSH EDELSON / SAN FRANCISCO CHR Image 1 of / 1 Caption Close Steve Kerr: I've never seen Draymond Green in ‘better place emotionally’ 1 / 1 Back to Gallery

Connor Letourneau is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: cletourneau@sfchronicle.com. Twitter: @Con_Chron