The Phoenix Suns have had their fair share of offseason issues, while the Los Angeles Lakers have the ongoing question mark of Russell Westbrook. On the other hand, everything appeared jubilant at the Golden State Warriors having won the NBA championship last season.
But it seems unnecessary and disappointing problems are spreading throughout the pacific division, with Golden State the latest to be embroiled in controversy. Key players Jordan Poole and Draymond Green came chest-to-chest at practice on Wednesday, before Green escalated the situation by striking Poole during the heated exchange.
The Phoenix Suns should be monitoring any after effects from the altercation between Draymond Green and Jordan Poole at the Golden State Warriors.
Golden State have gone into damage control since the altercation, with general manager Bob Myers, head coach Steve Kerr and superstar Finals MVP Stephen Curry all holding media conferences on Thursday. The trio were visibly disappointed in the incident as Green now faces internal disciplinary action.
Both Green and Poole would be fantastic fits in Phoenix should they ever become available. The former Defensive Player of the Year would form a dynamic duo with Mikal Bridges, with Green’s lack of scoring a non-issue in the Suns talented offensive starting five.
Meanwhile, the young fourth-year guard would bring another shot-creation and playmaking presence, with Poole presenting as the perfect replacement for Chris Paul once he vacates the starting point-guard role.
The duo are both up for contract extensions, with some suggesting that background aspect may have contributed to the altercation. The Warriors have denied this, as they have reports of a change in Poole’s behaviour during training camp. Whatever the case, their current contract status would make a potential deal difficult to orchestrate.
There’s no indication to suggest this will be anything more than a short-term issue for the Warriors, but it’s still a situation that James Jones and the Suns should monitor as the season progresses.