What did Steve Kerr have to say about when Draymond Green will return to the Warriors?
Though he’s widely expected to be on the court for the season opener against the Lakers, the Warriors coach admits it’s up in the air.
With opening night of the 2022-23 NBA season fast approaching, many are wondering whether the Warriors veteran will be present when the team’s campaign tips off.
Will Draymond Green play on opening night of 2022-23 NBA season?
With all that has happened over the past few days, it would be pretty logical to wonder whether or not Draymond Green will be on the court when the Warriors face the Lakers on the 18th. What will be even more interesting, is just how the fans will take to him if that should be the case. Indeed, commissioner Adam Silver will be present - as is the way - to present the champions with their rings. Will Green and Jordan Poole be in the same queue to receive what’s owed to them?
As things stand, Green has taken a step away from the team following his altercation with teammate Jordan Poole, which ended in a vicious punch being thrown. Complicating matters is of course the fact that a video was leaked to the public, in which Green’s attack can be plainly seen. Green has since apologized to both the team and to Poole, however, the four-time NBA champion was quick to acknowledge that he will have work to do to repair his relationship with Poole. Indeed, that notion is something that Warriors center Kevon Looney readily agreed with. “He’s got some work to do to get that trust back from us, but I think he’s willing to do it.”
Warriors’ Steve Kerr weighs in on Draymond Green’s absence
According to his comments following Monday’s practice, Warriors head coach Steve Kerr indicated that there is still “no clarity” on when Draymond Green might return to the team. Kerr also added that he is in fact concerned about not just the Green and Poole altercation, but also the fact that a video of it was leaked to the public. It stands to reason that had the video not been circulated online, there would have been little if any report of the incident other than perhaps a notice of disciplinary action taken against Green.
Ultimately, from all accounts it’s quite likely that Green will be in the lineup when opening night rolls around. Indeed, with reports suggesting that he won’t be away long and that he is not in fact expected to miss any regular season games, it’s all but certain. The more pressing question, however, is whether or not this period will be enough, to bring an end to whatever caused the conflict between Green and Poole in the first place. Also, let’s not forget the team itself. Can the Warriors start their title defense on the right foot, or will this fight between teammates cost them?