Draymond Green found himself at the center of a storm recently after getting into a heated altercation with his Golden Warriors team-mate Jordan Poole.
Video footage leaked and it showed Green punching Poole in the jaw during a training session. Supposedly it stemmed from a noticeable change in Poole’s behavior, as the guard was on the verge of securing a lucrative contractive extension.
Green had initially suggested he would take a step back from the team, but instead of suspending him, the Warriors decided to fine him, and it was an undisclosed amount.
Although the Warriors have faced adversity in the past, they have always responded, and they are the reigning champions. The Warriors lifted their fourth crown in eight years when they beat the Boston Celtics in the NBA Finals last summer, and they will remain the team to beat. A look at some of the most popular online betting sites shows the Warriors are widely fancied to defend the title, and at BetMGM, for example, they are priced at +600 to enjoy NBA success again this season.
It would be naïve to suggest the Green issue will be swept under the carpet. We have explored the incident in greater detail and suggest what Green must do to restore the faith of the franchise.
“Biggest crisis in years”
Green has been no stranger to courting controversy. Indeed, it is not the first time he hasn’t seen eye-to-eye with a team-mate. Four years ago, he was suspended for calling then-colleague Kevin Durant a “bitch” during a game against the Los Angeles Clippers, but then, he didn’t punch Durant.
Nevertheless, the impact of Green’s actions now has weighed heavily on the minds of coach Steve Kerr and the rest of the Warriors set-up.
When asked about the conversations regarding an appropriate punishment for Green, Kerr said: “It’s been an exhaustive process. We feel like this is the best way after assessing everything for us moving forward.
“It’s never easy no matter what decision you make in a situation like this. It’s not going to be perfect.
“This is the biggest crisis that we’ve ever had since I’ve been coach here. It’s really serious stuff.”
Although Kerr later admitted he ‘trusts’ Green, the veteran has done himself little favors and he still has a lot of groveling to do.
Take accountability
Supposedly, Green has had a one-on-one conversation with Poole over the incident and he has apologized. However, the slap on the wrist Green received has damaged his credibility within the team.
Green is no longer the heart of the Warriors, but the team itself is trying to walk a tightrope. They don’t want to alienate the senior stars, but at the same time, they want to keep on side the younger talent that is coming through.
As such, Green needs to make his peace with all members of the team and take more accountability for what he did, otherwise, it could continue to create greater friction within the camp.
Follow the Steph Curry example
The Warriors have plenty of leaders both on and off the floor, but few have graced the floor in the manner that Steph Curry has done. He is always the consummate professional and he is humble – Green could certainly learn a thing or two.
From a wider perspective, the NBA has plenty of egos, but at a time such as this, Green must address his shortcomings and look at what others are doing around him.
What does his future hold?
Well, at the end of the season, Green will be a free agent, so he is unlikely to earn a max contract with the Warriors. Rumors have been circulating over the 32-year-old’s future, and it is thought he could leave.
There have been talks about a switch to the LA Lakers where he could join forces with former rival and now friend LeBron James. Despite the recent debacle, Green would still be a wanted man and he wants to remain one of the best defensive players in the NBA.
The Warriors won’t allow the Green furor to derail their season, but as far as Green is concerned, he would rather leave the franchise on a quiet note.
