The Golden State Warriors are navigating through turmoil after Draymond Green’s altercation with Jordan Poole has likely rattled the team’s chemistry.
Green and Poole’s scuffle was leaked by TMZ, turning an otherwise private matter into the NBA’s biggest story over the weekend.
Fortunately for the reigning champs, winning cures everything.
The only way for the Golden State Warriors to move forward from recent controversy is to start the 2022-23 NBA season strong.
Shortly after the video leaked, Green announced he would be taking an absence from the team. He publically apologized to everyone involved, with special consideration to Poole himself.
"“I do want to give my team some space, I want to give Jordan some space, and then also take a few days and continue to work on myself … take some time to let everything breathe.”ESPN"
Since then, the Warriors have elected not to suspend Green. He is expected to play in their preseason finale before taking the floor for opening night and the Dubs’ ring ceremony on Oct. 18.
How can the team move forward so quickly after such a public and intense event?
It’s simple. They need to win some basketball games.
Nothing can fix a team more efficiently than a dose of success. For a Warriors squad that just won the championship, this should be an easy and already-expected goal.
It won’t be a layup, though.
Golden State has some new assets to integrate. Donte DiVincenzo, JaMychal Green and James Wiseman will play key roles in the upcoming season — none of which were a part of the previous championship team.
For the rest of the Warriors, including Draymond and Poole, it’s important they get off to a hot start. Poole shined in his first preseason game since the incident while the Warriors cooked the Portland Trail Blazers 131-98 most recently.
Stumbling out of the gates could cause tension to increase. As the Dubs attempt to win another title, they must walk this tightrope carefully and get started on the right foot.