The NBA world didn’t hold back reacting to a video of Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green punching teammate Jordan Poole.
In the video, which was leaked on Friday, Green and Poole appear to get into things verbally as the veteran forward approaches the young guard. Poole then pushes Green away from him before the four-time champion unleashes a punch to Poole’s face.
Draymond’s punch on Jordan Poole pic.twitter.com/lsvlCUwZcC
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) October 7, 2022
Several current and former NBA players shared their reactions to the incident, and some of their opinions varied.
Current Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young offered an interesting take, as he believes Green may be trying to get to Los Angeles after throwing the punch.
Draymond is tryna get to LA.
Damn ! 😳— Trae Young (@TheTraeYoung) October 7, 2022
Guard Isaiah Thomas, who played with the Charlotte Hornets at the end of the 2021-22 season, gave his take on the matter. He thinks that if Poole and Green were really rocking with each other, then the situation wouldn’t have escalated in the way it did.
All I’m saying is you ain’t responding with a PUNCH if that’s somebody you really rock with!!! Especially after a PUSH. But I ain’t in the practice and I didn’t hear what was being said so ima leave that alone but DAMN
— Isaiah Thomas (@isaiahthomas) October 7, 2022
Former Warriors big man David West expressed disappointment that the video was leaked and that the players and coaches allowed the situation to get to that point.
Fire whoever leaked that video. Got a whole bunch of mofos who can't be trusted. Everybody wrong. As soon as Dray start walking somebody supposed to get in front of him..looks like the video guys and support staff got more heart than some of then chumps on the sideline
— David West (@D_West30) October 7, 2022
ESPN analyst and former NBA player Richard Jefferson revealed that fights are more common than people think in the NBA.
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Former NBA guard Brandon Jennings also had an interesting take, as he questioned whether or not Green would have punched Poole had they been outside of an NBA facility.
My question is would he do that to him outside a NBA facility
— Brandon Jennings (@Tuff__Crowd) October 7, 2022
While everyone seems to have their own take on the matter, it’s clear that Green crossed a line. Warriors general manager Bob Myers has already said that the team will handle discipline for Green internally.
“These things happen. Nobody likes it, we don’t condone it, but it happens,” Myers said. “Draymond apologized to the team. Jordan was there in the room. … As far as any suspension, punishment, fine, we will handle that internally.”
Poole and Green were both integral parts of the Warriors’ run to win the NBA Finals last season. Poole put himself on the map with a career season, and Green played the steady role he has with Golden State for years, defending and setting up his teammates on the offensive end.
Now, the Warriors hope that the two can put the incident behind them as the team prepares for the start of the 2022-23 regular season later this month.
