NBA: Warriors - Trouble in Paradise?
Photo: BleacherReport (B/R)
SAN FRANCISCO — Just four months ago, the Golden State Warriors won their 7th NBA title. When asked what it took to capture that win, Warriors coach Steve Kerr immediately pointed out they have a great group, and their team’s relationship was what they needed to get the job done and secure the victory.
“It takes a group effort to get it done, and we had a great group,” said Kerr following the team’s Championship win.
Fast forward to earlier this week, the world saw an astonishing video that makes you question exactly how much of a great relationship the Warriors actually have. The footage reveals Warriors Draymond Green, violently attacking teammate Jordan Poole by savagely punching him to the ground in the middle of a team practice - see below for more!
Let's face it; Green is notorious for his outbursts and aggression during games. I mean, is it really a game if Green hasn't fouled out or received a technical? It has become a norm, and many brush it off as Dray being Dray, but at what cost? It has only gotten worse, and his aggression has turned toward his own teammates, yet now suddenly many are concerned about his behavior. When in reality, this is nothing new. Green is known for his heated moments on the court, but as the Warriors’ big man who’s on the starting five and has lockdown defense, sometimes those heated moments become a blur. While we can agree the man's got game - when is enough enough?
On the contrary, rumors spiraled implying that it was Poole's attitude to blame for striking Green to behave violently. But is this excuse acceptable? Kerr stated Poole has been fantastic during camp and revealed this rumor to be false.
“Jordan has been fantastic throughout camp,” Kerr said to the press. “Someone put out there that Jordan had an attitude in camp, nothing can be further from the truth. He’s been fantastic. Disappointing to see misinformation out there but I wanted to make sure I set the record straight on that. Everything else we will handle internally and go from there.”
Kerr later stated, “Draymond apologized to the team this morning. Jordan was there in the room, I was there in the room with the team, the coaches, the players and we heard that.”
Since Coach Kerr’s statement, Green has faced the news conference and apologized to all involved, admitting the punch was a “huge mistake.” Green apologized to the entire Warriors organization, his teammates, and Poole’s family.
“I failed as a leader. — “I failed as a man.” Green stated on Saturday.
The altercation between Poole and Green was first reported on Wednesday, and the Warriors organization had not disciplined Green for his actions. However, since the video surfaced, Coach Kerr and Green both stated the incident would be treated as an internal matter.
Do you think it’s time for Green to part ways with the Warriors? Or could they squash this beef and move forward to another successful season? Stay tuned to find out the turnout.
Photo: Kendra Andrews (Twitter)
