Steve Kerr gets honest on Draymond Green-Jordan Poole incident
09/17/2024 01:38 PM
Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr recently addressed the impact of the 2022 altercation between Draymond Green and former Warriors guard Jordan Poole, marking it as one of the most challenging moments of his tenure. Speaking on “The Dan Le Batard Show,” Kerr reflected on Green’s fiery temperament and how this specific incident left a lasting mark on the team.
“There are a lot of examples,” Kerr noted, referring to the many times Green's emotional intensity had pushed boundaries over the years. “But for sure, the Jordan Poole incident stands out. He crossed the line with Jordan, and he knew it immediately. That made the season incredibly difficult for everybody.”
“What is the angriest that you have been at Draymond Green?”
Steve Kerr: “There’s a lot of examples… For sure, the Jordan Poole incident… He crossed the line… and it made that season incredibly difficult for everybody.”
(via @LeBatardShow)pic.twitter.com/5F0y8sxeII
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) September 17, 2024
The incident, a physical altercation during a practice session before the 2022-2023 season, shook the organization and had long-lasting consequences. Green, known for his passion and volatility, has been a key player for the Warriors throughout their dynasty run. However, this altercation with Poole, a young rising star, marked a turning point in team dynamics.
Poole, who had been instrumental in the Warriors’ 2022 NBA championship victory, struggled throughout the 2022-2023 season following the incident. His confidence appeared shaken, and his performance on the court became inconsistent. Many speculated that the fallout from Green’s punch directly impacted Poole’s ability to regain his form.
Warriors’ handling of Draymond Green-Jordan Poole drama reshapes franchise outlook
As the Warriors navigated a turbulent season, their once-unshakable chemistry seemed fractured. The team's playoff run ended in the second round, well short of their championship expectations. The early exit highlighted the lingering effects of the Green-Poole incident, leaving many to wonder if the Warriors' championship window was beginning to close.
In a surprising move during the 2023 offseason, the Warriors traded Poole to the Washington Wizards, a decision that stunned fans. Poole, who had been seen as a cornerstone for the franchise's future, was swapped for veteran point guard Chris Paul. While Paul's leadership and experience brought a new dynamic to the roster, the trade signaled the end of Poole's time in Golden State and left the Warriors without the youthful spark he once provided.
Now, with Poole in Washington, the Warriors aim to rebuild their depth. Second-year guard Brandin Podziemski and other young players must step up, but the team faces an uncertain future while still grappling with Poole’s departure and the lingering effects of the altercation.
The Draymond Green-Jordan Poole incident didn't just cause tension between two players — it altered the course of the Warriors franchise. As Steve Kerr and the team move forward, the ripples of that moment continue to shape their path as they attempt to return to the top of the NBA.
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