Why I believe Draymond truly is ‘sorry’ for Poole punch

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Why I believe Draymond truly is ‘sorry’ for Poole punch originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

The general response to Draymond Green’s latest apology for his spasm of violence during a Warriors practice 27 months ago has been a collective shrug. Too late, sir. Can’t undo the punch that wiped the smile from what was the happiest ship in the NBA.

When Green, the veteran leader, launched a fist to Jordan Poole’s face in October 2022, it spun the defending champions off their axis. And the team’s tepid management of the incident, which was shared on a leaked video, still raises eyebrows around the league.

The Warriors have not been the same – on or off the court. After countless conversations at several levels, the recovery has yet to materialize. They needed a nuclear game from Stephen Curry to avoid a first-round flameout in the 2023 playoffs, and one year later they were routed in the NBA Play-In Tournament opener.

Such futility sits like barbed wire in Draymond’s gut. He lives for success at the highest levels, and has put considerable blame upon himself, with good reason, for the formerly elite Warriors’ descent into the NBA’s middle class.

Green also knows three things that, given his lust for victory, are inescapable. First, that Poole was an integral part of Golden State’s 2022 championship team. Second, that his right fist led directly to Poole being traded. Third, that the Warriors would be a better squad if they still had the offensive gifts Poole took with him to the Washington Wizards.

Draymond’s apology came via social media late Saturday night, about five hours after he limped into the locker room with a left calf strain that took him out of the Warriors-Wizards game at Chase Center. This was about two-and-a-half hours after the Warriors’ 121-113 victory, after which Poole replied to a question about his feelings for his former team.

“I love those guys over there,” Poole said after roasting his former team for 38 points. “I love most of those guys over there.”

After seeing Poole’s comments posted on the X account of ESPN/Andscape NBA reporter Marc J. Spears, Green…

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Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/why-believe-draymond-truly-sorry-073500179.html

Author : NBC Sports BayArea

Publish date : 2025-01-20 07:35:00

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