Is the Warriors dynasty dead in the water? After succumbing to a shocking loss to the Sacramento Kings in the play-in tournament, many have started to write obituaries about the Warriors dynasty. And rightfully so. The Dubs just haven’t been their usual powerhouse selves this season. However, one could argue that the downfall of the Warriors dynasty started well before the current season. It could be traced back to the Draymond Green-Jordan Poole punch fiasco.

The decline of the Golden State Warriors began to take shape in the summer of 2022. The Warriors hierarchy decided to hand Jordan Poole and Andrew Wiggins massive contract extensions following their 2022 title triumph. However, this created a tense and sensitive environment within the locker room because vets like Draymond and Klay still didn’t receive contract extensions. It all came to a head during a preseason practice when Poole allegedly called Green an “expensive backpack for 30.” Green retaliated by throwing a punch, which knocked Poole unconscious.

Apart from a few stories, the real reason as to why Draymond Green punched Jordan Poole still remains a mystery. But former Warrior, Gilbert Arenas tried to put two and two together in order to better explain the situation during a recent segment on the Gil’s Arena podcast. He said, “You have Draymond Green practicing. Poole wasn’t practicing. Draymond Green is getting off. He didn’t get off when Jordan Poole was talking sh*t. So he’s like, ‘Where you at now?’ That’s how it started.”

Other factors may have played a contributing role in their downfall, but the Draymond Green-Jordan Poole punch fiasco has had the biggest impact on team chemistry and the downward trajectory of the Dubs.

Aftermath of the Draymond Green punch fiasco

Following the incident, Draymond Green stepped away from the team for a while. Moreover, the Warriors also fined Green for his behavior. But Draymond returned to the team during the ring presentation ceremony on the opening night of the 2022-23 season, as Poole felt suspending him would be unfair. In a preseason presser, Draymond apologized to Poole and his teammates.

Even Jordan Poole addressed questions regarding his relationship with Green. He said, “(Draymond) apologized, and we plan on handling ourselves that way”. However, despite apologizing for his behavior, everything didn’t feel right between Poole and Draymond Green. The 2022-23 season was littered with instances of Jordan Poole ignoring Draymond during team hurdles and timeouts. As a result, the camaraderie between the Dubs appeared to be at an all-time low.

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The Warriors didn’t really live up to the expectation during the 2022-23 season, losing to the Lakers in the Western Conference semifinals. Many felt that if Draymond Green hadn’t punch Poole in the preseason, things might have turned out quite differently. However, following a tumultuous season, the Dubs management traded Poole to the Washington Wizards. Without Poole this season, we are all privy to the horrid season the Dubs have endured. But would things have unfolded differently if Draymond hadn’t punched Poole?