the blow that dramond green landing at Jordan Poole during training camp in October was the start of a disappointing season for the Golden State Warriors.
After winning the organization’s fourth NBA championship in eight years, the Warriors struggled during the regular season before falling to the los angeles lakers in the second round of the NBA Playoffs.
Jordan Poole #3 of the Golden State Warriors handles the ball against Chris Paul #3 of the Phoenix Suns during the second half of an NBA game at the Footprint Center on October 25, 2022 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns defeated the Warriors 134-105. (Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Shortly after the playoff exit, Golden State traded Poole to the Washington Wizards for veteran point guard Chris Paul, ending Poole’s time in the Bay Area.
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On Wednesday, Green joined «The Pat Bev Podcast with Rone» and provided some background on what led up to the hit.
«I don’t just hit people,» Green said.
“Dialogue happens and dialogue happens over time,” he continued. «Usually something that fast doesn’t trigger you to that degree. This is a team. You know what I’m saying? There’s no one on my team that triggers me in an instant. Dialogue, of course, happens over time.» .
«We know things that are not said among men,» he added. «We know things you have to stand on. As I’ve admitted before, I was wrong in the way I handled it for the situation we were in. But I’m a man at the end of the day. I stand my ground.» business.»
(L-R) Draymond Green #23 and Jordan Poole #3 of the Golden State Warriors walk to the bench during the second half of an NBA game against the Phoenix Suns at the Footprint Center on October 25, 2022 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns defeated the Warriors 134-105. (Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
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After being traded, Poole was asked about the altercation with Green and the impact it had on the season, and Poole dodged the question.
«They were in washington now. playing with Kuz [Kyle Kuzma], great duo,» Poole replied. «To be able to really blossom, expand your game. And hopefully a new team, lead a whole group of guys. It is a challenge we are prepared for.»
When asked if he had spoken to Green since he was traded, Poole looked away.
warriors head coach Steve Kerr discussed the incident after the end of the season, saying that it affected the team during the championship defense.
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Jordan Poole #3, Stephen Curry #30 and Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors show off their ring on ring night before the game against the Los Angeles Lakers on October 18, 2022 at the Chase Center in San Francisco, California. (Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
«There was some of that missing this year for sure,» Kerr said when asked about the team’s chemistry throughout the season. «There’s no hiding it — the incident with Draymond and Jordan earlier in the year played a part in that. It’s hard not to let that affect a team.»
«Any time some trust is lost, it makes the process much more difficult, and some trust was lost. That’s about as direct as I can be. The only way to try to course correct is to continue to communicate with players and coaches. And those relationships have to be built. The ties have to be built. I think that’s a big focus for us this offseason. We’ve got to get back to what’s made us really successful, which is a really trusting environment and a group that relies on each other and makes each other better».
Green signed a four-year, $100 million contract to remain in golden state at the start of NBA free agency.
Green wished Poole well on the podcast, saying the young guard has a «bright future» in the league.