Draymond Green Taking Time Away From Warriors

Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green will be taking time away from the team after the altercation between himself and Warriors guard Jordan Poole. Green and Poole got into an altercation resulting in Green punching Poole, with video evidence coming from the team’s practice facility after the incident. Green is stepping away from the team for an undisclosed amount of time, and this may change the NBA picks odds for who will win the NBA finals.

“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,” Green said.

The Impetus for Giving the Team Some Space

Nothing has been reported about what was said, but there was obvious animosity between the two before the punch was thrown, as the two can be seen talking to each other during a play. Green then got into Poole’s face, and Poole responded by pushing Green backward. This was when Green threw the punch, striking Poole as teammates ran to break up the altercation.

“I’m concerned about both. They’re both a problem,” said Warriors head coach Steve Kerr.

Poole is currently in negotiations with the Warriors for a contract extension that would pay him much more than his rookie salary is at the moment. It is unclear if the altercation has affected the contract talks at all.

The Impact on the Golden State Warriors Going Forward

Draymond Green is, of course, one of the most vital players in the Golden State Warriors’ recent dynasty. Green has typically been the most important defender and forward for the Warriors, helping achieve four championships alongside the likes of Steph Curry and Klay Thompson.

The Warriors are coming off winning the 2022 NBA Finals Championship and are hoping to repeat as NBA Champions. However, with this kind of turmoil going on in practices, many experts are questioning if the Warriors’ chemistry will be good enough to repeat as champions.

“As a leader of this team, I needed to have a better feel for myself and just know and understand where my wick’s end was and what could possibly push me the wrong way. Frankly, I didn’t handle that well and I failed as a leader. I failed as a man, and I failed as a leader,” Green said after announcing he was stepping away.

Warriors GM Bob Myers has not stated how long Green will be away from the team but stated he did not expect Green to miss any regular season games. The Warriors’ opening night for the season is on October 18th against the Los Angeles Lakers, so Green will likely be with the team within a week’s time and should not affect any NBA picks today.

This is not the first incident that has resulted in a physical altercation for Green. Green was suspended in the 2016 NBA Finals for kicking LeBron James, helping the Cleveland Cavaliers make a miraculous 3-1 comeback against the Warriors to win the NBA Championship in seven games. Green has also been seen arguing on the sidelines with then-Warriors forward Kevin Durant.

Draymond Green and the Golden State Warriors Future

This type of repeated arguing and fighting surrounding Green has resulted in many fans hoping that the Warriors will explore trade options. In contrast, others want to keep Green as he has been vital to their championship success. No trade talks have officially come out for Green, but there have been reports that trust has been broken between the teammates and the forward.