“I try to be a connector…We all have different ways of coping with adversity” – Steph Curry opens up on his actions to mend relationships in his fractured team after Warriors teammates' altercation
Stephen Curry played a significant role in settling the tension between the teammates. The Golden State Warriors guard said it was his job to step up as the leader of the team.
Draymond Green and Jordan Poole got into it during practice on Oct. 5. The confrontation ended with Green punching the youngster in the face.
Curry's involvement in the peace talks was made known by coach Steve Kerr. He pointed out that Curry was very active in trying to have the two players talk out their issues.
In an interview with Rachel Nichols on "Showtime Basketball," when Curry was asked what exactly he did, he said:
"I try to be a connector. I think you realize what conversations need to be had. There's a little bit of patience involved. And we're all human beings. We all have emotions. We all have different ways of coping with adversity.
"But my job is to maintain the joy, the perspective, but also the expectation that we can get through it. And that requires whatever it requires. There were some hard days, and there could be some hard days coming. You just have to be able to deal with reality as it is. That's kind of like my job as the leader of the team."
Steph Curry opens up on the scramble to bring the Warriors back together after Draymond's punch “You realize what conversations need to be had & there’s patience involved...There were some hard days. There could be some more coming"
Watch the full convo: youtu.be/2IQ43HeMKY0 https://t.co/suHi1f8FvS
Green apologized to Poole for his actions and took time away from the team to allow everyone to heal. Nonetheless, the forward was fined after the organization, in consultation with Poole, made the decision not to suspend him.
Steph Curry said the Warriors' big three are a package deal
Green is due for a contract extension and has slowly put his expectations in the minds of the franchise's decision-makers. The four-time NBA champ has demanded a max extension, suggesting that he could leave if not granted.
The Warriors big man said playing with LeBron James is a welcome idea. Albeit jokingly, there is a chance that Green could leave as a free agent at the end of next season if his demands are not met.
Curry has said that the big three of himself, Klay Thompson and Green are a package deal. The all-time 3-point scorer recognizes Green's importance and has expressed his desire to continue playing with him.
Warriors determined to defend their 2022 title
Green and Poole's altercation has taken the bulk of the attention concerning the Warriors. Coming into the season, the conversation of the Warriors' chances of defending their title was taken over by the incident.
Regardless, the players are determined not to allow that to deter them from their goal. Every member of the Warriors is intent on doing their best to ensure they are the last team standing in 2023.
Green has said that the altercation will not affect their time on the floor, as they are professionals. They backed up their words on the court in their season opener against the lakers" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-is-sponsored="false">LA Lakers with a 123-109 win on Tuesday.
Former NBA All-Star Vince Carter said it is similar to when Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant first got together. He believes, just like the Lakers duo, the Warriors will deliver on the court regardless of personal differences.