“All you people messing with Draymond, mind your damn business” – Shaquille O’Neal believes winning a title boosted Jordan Poole’s ego and Draymond Green humbled him, accepts brawling with teammates himself
Draymond Green's scuffle with Jordan Poole has been a big talking point recently. While many fans and analysts have taken the situation seriously, four-time NBA champion Shaquille O'Neal feels this is part of competitive sports.
On "The Big Podcast," he highlighted that Green wanted to maintain the hierarchy in the team and also stressed that it is somewhat normal in the league.
"First of all, all you people messing with Draymond, mind your damn business. I know the game, it's a nice game and oh this and that and we should get along but you guys don't know anything about competitive sports. You have no idea what you're talking about.
"So, just shut the hell up and be a fan, it happens. It happened to Steve Kerr. If you want to go back to the thing, Steve Kerr said Michael Jordan punched him in the face cause he went back at Michael and from that day on, he gave Michael respect. This happens all the time."
Shaq added that the pecking order in Golden State belonged to three people:
"Jordan Poole definitely played a big part in the winning. So I think a lot of times those people try to check their pecking order sets. The pecking order sets on the team actually belong to three people. Draymond, Klay, and Steph."
(From 8:20 onwards)
The altercation between Green and Poole ended with JP getting punched in the face. While many former players have seen it as a common occurrence among teammates, fans were disappointed by Green's actions.
There have been rumors of Poole becoming arrogant since winning the championship, but head coach Steve Kerr recently dismissed that claim.
Draymond Green has since apologized to Poole and agreed to take some time off the team. Although many called for Green's suspension, the Warriors announced that he will only be fined and will be available for their first regular season game.
Draymond Green says his altercation with Jordan Poole will not affect the Warriors' championship pursuit
The Warriors have thrived on chemistry, as team camaraderie is one of their strengths. While many believe the fight between Draymond Green and Jordan Poole could affect the locker room, Green feels differently. He said:
"We’re professionals. We have a job to do and we’re winners. And winners win. That’s from a winning standpoint. From a human being standpoint, from a personal standpoint, I have some things to fix."
Draymond Green said this won't effect the Warriors winning: “We’re professionals. We have a job to do and we’re winners. And winners win… That’s from a winning standpoint. From a human being standpoint, from a personal standpoint, I have some things to fix.”
The Warriors are one of the favorites to win the 2023 title and start their season against the Lakers on Oct. 19.