The Golden State Warriors began the 2022-23 season with hopes of defending their NBA title. But an altercation between Draymond Green and Jordan Poole brought the team unwanted attention.
The Warriors never seemed to shake the impact of Green’s now-infamous punch of Poole. Although the team had a relatively successful season, it did not regain its championship form.
The Warriors traded Poole to the Washington Wizards during the offseason and hope to replace his on-court production with veteran guard Chris Paul.
Many placed blame for the Warriors’ struggles at the feet of Poole, but head coach Steve Kerr isn’t blaming Poole.
“First of all, I think it’s unfair for people to just point at Jordan [Poole],” Kerr said on Bay Area sports radio station 95.7 The Game. “That’s wrong.. .. Jordan was fantastic while he was here. He helped us win a championship. I hate that he gets any criticism. Last year went wrong for a number of reasons, and we all share the blame in that.”
Poole addressed the incident with Green after the season.
“I don’t speak on it much. But I will say … you’ve got to have a different level of maturity. We had a season to play.” Poole told ESPN in May. “You’re going to have to play with these people in the locker room, and that’s why I said maturity is a big thing.”
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