Draymond Green has always been a polarizing figure in the NBA, known for his fiery competitiveness and emotional outbursts. However, his heartfelt apology to former teammate Jordan Poole after a Golden State Warriors victory against the Washington Wizards showcased a softer, more reflective side of the veteran forward.
“I really am sorry.”
Fans were shocked by the apology, as it marked a rare moment of vulnerability from Draymond Green. While he had previously expressed regret for the incident, this public acknowledgment seemed to carry a deeper sincerity. Green’s words were met with mixed reactions, with some fans praising his growth and others criticizing the damage done to the team’s chemistry.
After the Warriors’ 122-114 victory over the Wizards on January 18, Poole delivered a subtle yet pointed postgame comment:
“Yeah, I love those guys over there. I love most of those guys over there. A really good group. A really good staff. Shout out to the fans. I saw a lot of 3 jerseys out there, a lot of JP3 jerseys, which is always really cool. I always get a lot of love. I spent some good quality time here, and it’s dope to see it appreciated.”
Video of Jordan Poole saying “I love those guys over there. I love most of those guys over there” with the full quote https://t.co/fqTAEuMnnv pic.twitter.com/81OAGdxATd
— Dalton Johnson (@DaltonJ_Johnson) January 19, 2025
In 2022, the Warriors were fresh off their championship run, poised to defend their title. However, tensions boiled over during a practice session when Green punched Poole after an argument. The incident caused significant turmoil within the organization, creating a rift that lingered throughout the 2022-23 season.
Despite the team’s efforts to downplay the situation, the fallout was evident. Poole’s production on the court remained solid, but the camaraderie that had defined the Warriors’ success seemed fractured. Poole was eventually traded to the Washington Wizards in a deal that brought veteran guard Chris Paul to Golden State.
The Warriors have struggled to recapture their championship form since Poole’s departure. This season, they sit at 21-20, 10th in the Western Conference, with Green battling injuries and the team’s depth being tested.
Green has spoken candidly about the incident in recent months, calling it one of his biggest failures as a leader. In a podcast interview, he admitted that he had failed to handle the responsibility of mentoring a younger teammate like Poole. Poole, for his part, has maintained a professional demeanor, focusing on his new role with the Wizards. His 38-point performance against the Warriors was a reminder of the talent Golden State lost in the trade.
While Green’s apology may not heal all wounds, it represents a step toward accountability and growth. For a team with championship aspirations, repairing relationships and fostering unity will be crucial as the Warriors navigate their future. Whether Green and Poole can ever fully reconcile remains uncertain, but the public apology underscores Green’s willingness to acknowledge his mistakes and work toward becoming a better leader.
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