According to ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith, Golden State Warriors guard Jordan Poole was ‘hit’ by an earlier infamous punch from teammate Draymond Green.
The basketball world was taken by surprise when The Athletic’s Shams Charania detailed a physical altercation between Jordan Poole and Draymond Green at Warriors practice last week.
After a brawl that showed Green and Poole coming chest-t0-chest before Green hit a teammate with his right hand, which resulted in a fine from the team and a one-week ban.
ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith now reports that Poole was hit with a punch that reminded Warriors head coach Steve Kerr of being punched by Michael Jordan during his time with the Chicago Bulls.
Stephen A. Smith was told he lost to Jordan Poole. 😳
— The Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) October 12, 2022
Kerr told the media that Green was suspended for the incident but is now back at team practice and will play in Golden State’s final preseason game against the Denver Nuggets on Friday.
The 32-year-old will suit up on opening night when Oracle Arena welcomes home the reigning NBA champion next Tuesday against LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers.
While many believe the relationship between Green and the Warriors is damaged beyond repair, Steph Curry is said to have facilitated talks between Green, Jordan Poole and other members of the team.
Steve Kerr, Steph Curry, organized discussions among the team and facilitated the healing process with Draymond Green, Jordan Poole and other players. Curry’s leadership continues to flourish and assuming the Warriors move past this, he will be a big reason for that. #dubnation
— Kylen Mills (@KylenMills) October 12, 2022
Kerr The 32-year-old admits he violated the team’s trust in the incident, but after Green led the Warriors to four NBA championships since 2012, he deserves the benefit of the doubt.
“Draymond and I have been together for eight years. We had a lot of runs but I trust him. He destroyed credibility with this incident, but I’m giving him the benefit of the doubt because I think he’s earned that – and I think our team feels it, too.
The Warriors are Vegas favorites to win back-to-back championships at +575 in NBA betting, ahead of last year’s eventual champions Boston Celtics and 2021 champion Milwaukee Bucks.
