The Warriors’ 2022-23 season has come to an end following their loss in Game 6 against the Lakers.
With a tumultuous campaign now in the books, Golden State guard Jordan Poole opened up on the preseason incident with Draymond Green, during which his teammate punched him in the face during practice, and the video was subsequently leaked.
Speaking to ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne, Poole opened up on the situation, which occurred in October, and explained why he didn’t speak more on the incident during the regular season.
“I don't speak on it much. But I will say ... you've got to have a different level of maturity,” said Poole. “We had a season to play. 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. What I know for a fact is there aren't many people who would be able to think logically and understand the magnitude of the situation, you know?”
Poole ultimately indicated he didn’t think it had too much of an impact on the season. He said as much when asked about the situation during his exit interviews.
JP on if the preseason incident with Draymond affected the Dubs' season pic.twitter.com/4AE8SisoVT
— Warriors on NBCS (@NBCSWarriors) May 13, 2023
“I mean, we made it to the second round of the playoffs,” Poole said. “We had a good season, guys stepped up and had a lot of exciting moments. I don't think there was anything that was changing any of that.”
After a breakout third season in the league, Poole had another strong year in spite of the preseason incident. The 23-year-old averaged 20 points per game on 43% shooting, but he struggled in the playoffs, putting out just two games of 20-plus points and shooting 34% from the floor.
Despite Poole exhibiting the required maturity to move on from the incident, ESPN’s sources claim that the tension on the team “has never really gone away.” Internal turmoil aside, it’s a disappointing end to the season for a team that was looking to repeat as champions after a thrilling title run last season.
