Kerr adamant former Golden State Warriors guard not to blame for last season’s issues
Following a strong 4-1 start to the regular season, many have been quick to analyze the reasons behind the Golden State Warriors impressive form. Beyond anything from a statistical standpoint, there’s a clear chemistry edge that’s reignited with the franchise.
Much of the Warriors early turnaround has been correlated to their blockbuster offseason trade where they moved young guard Jordan Poole for veteran Chris Paul. Taking on a sixth-man role for the first time in his career, the 38-year-old is a +51 in his time on the floor this season.
Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr is adamant that the Golden State Warriors issues last season shouldn’t be attributed to Jordan Poole.
Beyond the on-court production, many believe Poole’s departure from the locker room can be linked to the greater chemistry around the team. That conversation heated up with Draymond Green’s postgame comments on Wednesday, with the former Defensive Player of the Year calling the chemistry of last season’s team ‘awful’.
The 33-year-old also stated “it was hard to come to work. Not fun.” Green failed to acknowledge his contribution to that, having punched Poole during a training camp incident in October last year.
"The reason the Warriors are 4-1 this year and singing kumbaya in the locker room after games isn't because Jordan Poole got punched, Jordan's cocky, or Draymond's a jerk. It's because Jordan Poole is not an intelligent basketball player."
— 95.7 The Game (@957thegame) November 3, 2023
- @Mark_T_Willard on @WillardAndDibs.
However, amid the entire chemistry conversation that’s emanated after Wednesday’s 102-101 win over the Kings, head coach Steve Kerr has vehemently pushed back against the Poole narrative.
"“First of all, I think it’s unfair for people to just point at Jordan. That’s wrong… Jordan was fantastic while he was here. I hate that he gets any criticism. Last year went wrong for a number of reasons and we all share the blame in that,” Kerr said on 95.7 The Game’s Willard and Dibs."
The Warriors started 3-7 last season and lost their first eight road games, a stark contrast to now where they’re 4-1 having won their first three games on the road. Meanwhile, the Washington Wizards are 1-3 with Poole averaging 17.3 points on 38.5% shooting from the floor and 24.1% from three-point range.
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Although Kerr may be trying his best to cool the ongoing Poole discussion, Green’s comments have only added fuel to the fire ahead of the 23-year-old’s return to Chase Center on December 23.