Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr has made the controversial decision to bench forward Draymond Green for Wednesday night's game against the Los Angeles Clippers. The move comes in the wake of Green's altercation with teammate Jordan Poole during practice on Tuesday.
"This is a situation that we need to address within our locker room," Kerr said in a statement released Wednesday afternoon. "We believe that suspending Draymond for one game is the right step toward moving forward as a team."
According to sources, Green and Poole exchanged heated words during practice, which escalated into a physical altercation. The incident has reportedly caused a rift within the Warriors' locker room, raising concerns about team chemistry just days before the start of the regular season.
Warriors management, including general manager Bob Myers and owner Joe Lacob, have supported Kerr's decision. "We have a zero-tolerance policy for this type of behavior," Myers said. "We need to send a clear message that this is unacceptable."
Green is considered one of the Warriors' most important players, and his absence will be a significant blow to the team's defense and leadership. The four-time NBA champion has averaged 7.5 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 6.9 assists per game over the past two seasons.
The Warriors are scheduled to meet with Green on Thursday to discuss the incident and determine further disciplinary measures. The team hopes to resolve the situation and move forward with a united front as they prepare for the upcoming season.
The Green-Poole altercation has cast a shadow over the Warriors' promising season. If the team can successfully navigate this internal conflict, they remain a strong contender for the NBA championship. However, if the rift persists, it could have a lasting impact on the team's success.