The Golden State Warriors are currently sitting at 24-24 on the season, good for just eighth place in the Western Conference standings. The leaked video of Draymond Green’s infamous punch on Jordan Poole has altered the entire course of the Dubs’ season, with things not going according to plan for the reigning champions.
Draymond Green’s punch has likely affected the Golden State Warriors — that much is said with sources revealing the incident has greatly hurt the team’s chemistry.
Heavy Sports’ Sean Deveney has revealed the extent to which his sources believe the Green and Poole incident has had a lasting impact on the Warriors’ chemistry.
"“Poole is a professional. You talk to guys who have been there a while, and there is a coldness the team does not usually have. He is a young guy, Poole can be emotional, Jordan does not back down – that’s one reason he got into it with Draymond.”"
Andcape’s Marc Spears recently delved into Green’s deep introspection after the drama of the last few months had settled in his thoughts. Spears revealed that Green was happy playing for the only organization he’s ever known.
"“I’ve been in this uniform for 11 years. I don’t know anything else. So, to say, ‘I’ve had several things that [have] bothered me. And what have I done? Figure them out so this is not different. Same thing, you figure it out.”"
Green has admitted he was wrong, apologizing to Poole and his family, teammates, the Warriors’ organization, and fans. The 11-year veteran understands that some things can’t be fixed and only time will heal the wounds he created. However, Poole’s attitude and his place in the franchise’s hierarchy was again put into question in Wednesday’s game against the Memphis Grizzlies. The 23-year-old’s late ill-advised shot sent Stephen Curry over the edge, causing him to throw his mouthguard in anger which resulted in an ejection.
The status of Green’s contract extension, or lack thereof, was seen by many as a major reason behind his altercation with Poole. With a pending offseason decision to commit to the final year of his contract, along with adjusting to the new reality of the Warriors’ roster construction, there are certainly genuine reasons behind potential coldness in the Golden State locker room.