“It reminds me of a Lakers team when Kobe and Shaq weren’t vibing in their talk” – 8x NBA All-Star compares Warriors situation with Lakers, says personal differences don’t affect their common goal
Draymond Green and Jordan Poole put their differences aside to help the Golden State Warriors win their first game of the 2022-23 NBA season. Eight-time NBA All-Star Vince Carter has likened the Warriors' performance despite off-court tension to that of Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O'Neal's LA Lakers.
After receiving their 2022 championship rings, the Warriors got on the court and took care of business. With Steph Curry leading the team, they defeated the Lakers 123-109 on opening night at Chase Center.
Many were unsure of how the altercation between Poole and Green would affect the team's chemistry. Fortunately, there wasn't much to worry about in that regard as all of Golden State's players did their jobs.
On "The VC Show," Carter said about the Warriors' display:
"It showed there's no hangover first and foremost. They came out about their business. Everybody has an opinion on how to handle this situation, particularly Jordan Poole, how he should handle it. He came out about his business."
He added about how the longevity of the current Golden State team also played its part in the situation:
"They've (Warriors) been together long enough to where they know to put it aside. There could be drama, maybe they don't talk to each other, fine. You still do your job within the lines.
"It reminds me of a Laker team where Kobe and Shaq weren't vibing in their talk. They didn't hang out on the court. They would have back and forth but guess what? You could not stop them when they got on the court in the life.
"They did what they had to do for each other. And I look at this team the same way."
O'Neal and Bryant were first at each other's throats before they became friends. The duo revealed in an interview that they almost got into a fistfight once during training.
Kobe and Shaq talk about their first physical fight 😂😂
https://t.co/19byXAGzcC
Green and Poole combined for a couple of plays against the Lakers
While we don't know if Draymond Green and Jordan Poole will become close friends following their altercation, their desire to win remains untouchable. The two seem to have put their differences aside and are willing to help the team win back-to-back NBA championships.
Against the LA Lakers, Poole was responsible for one of Green's two makes. The latter set a solid screen for Poole and was rewarded for rolling with a bounce pass for an easy deuce.
Green has apologized for his role in the altercation and has been fined by the franchise. It has been reported that Poole also had a say in potential punishment, stating that a suspension was unnecessary.
The Warriors need Green and Poole to succeed in defending their NBA title
Poole has slowly asserted himself as one of the key pieces in this Golden State Warriors team. He provides a significant boost off the bench and is considered one of the favorites to win the 2023 Sixth Man of the Year award.
Green's importance to this Warriors team cannot be overemphasized either. Steph Curry has previously stated that their big three of Green, Klay Thompson, and himself are a package deal.
Although Green does not stuff the stat sheet, he does many of the intangibles that make the Golden State Warriors solid on both ends of the floor.
Both he and Poole have shown they can be professional and deliver, which is great news for Warriors fans.