Following the Golden State Warriors’ disappointing second-round postseason exit, players and coaches fielded many questions regarding what ultimately went wrong.
Injuries, learning curves, and roster fluctuation were all highlighted, but head coach Steve Kerr identified the viral Draymond Green- Jordan Poole preseason incident as an underlying factor in the Warriors’ struggles.
The Golden State Warriors’ chemistry was certainly affected by tension between Draymond Green and Jordan Poole, with the vibes never quite the same as during the magical run the year before.
"“There’s no hiding from it — the incident with Draymond and Jordan at the beginning of the year played a role in that,” Kerr said during his season-ending press conference last month. “It’s hard for that not to impact a team… Anytime some trust is lost, then it makes the process much more difficult, and there was some trust lost.”"
Many fans remain skeptical about the fit between Poole and Green, but according to a report by The Athletic’s Anthony Slater, the Warriors believe that the pair of teammates can co-exist moving forward and have no plans to move either player this offseason.
"“The Green preseason punch of Poole left a locker room scar that didn’t heal and might never. Maybe extra time and some offseason conversations mend it. But there has been no him-or-me ultimatum given. The Warriors are operating under the assumption that both Green and Poole can again be on the same roster and push toward the same championship goal next season without issue.”"
For Golden State to get back to the top, trust will have to be re-built, and that starts with Green. The future hall of famer has expressed his desire to remain with the Warriors long-term, and he understands that his duties will extend beyond basketball next season. The Warriors have to know that they can count on the veteran to hold himself accountable, and keep himself behind the invisible line that he tends to cross every now and then.
Re-signing Green will be Golden State’s top priority when free agency begins, but Slater added that the team will keep their options open, though they have no desire to move on from Poole at the moment.
"“The Warriors intend to explore various avenues to restructure the roster this summer, both small and large in scope,” Slater wrote. “But Poole is not actively being shopped, there is no edict to cut salary and his side has been given no current indication that his future will be elsewhere.”"
The Warriors intend to run it back with the same core guys next season (Poole included). Trust will have to be regained, and tough conversations will have to be had, but this group has proven that they have what it takes to win at the highest level. They’ll likely get the chance to do it again next season.