The physical altercation between Golden State Warriors teammates Draymond Green and Jordon Poole rocked the league. And it brought added pressure on the Warriors. After winning the title last season, fans were hyped for the start of this season. They were ready to successfully defend their ring. But everything went up in the air after the altercation. The incident was reportedly fueled by contract negotiations that were yet to be sorted out for both Poole and Green.
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But it looks like things have finally cooled down after a week. The Warriors made a statement that they would fine Draymond Green and not suspend him, which came as a surprise to many. Green later apologized for his actions and is now back on the court with Poole and his other teammates. Furthermore, there are reports that suggest Poole has agreed to a four-year, $140 million contract extension with the Warriors.
Steve Kerr recently stated that this was the greatest crisis he has faced as the head coach of the Warriors. He then revealed the player who deserves the credit for keeping the team together. And it is not the superstars and leaders of the team like Stephen Curry or Klay Thompson.
Kevon Looney helps cool things down after the Draymond Green-Jordan Poole altercation
Coach Kerr certainly knows the gravity of the issue at hand. The leaked footage was certainly a huge blow to the franchise. However, they have managed to keep it together so far, seemingly thanks to the likes of Kevon Looney. ?Loon is incredible,? Kerr said.
He added, ?This guy has so much wisdom. He?s so quiet that if you don?t pay attention, you may not realize it.?He has become the moral compass of our team. He?s a special human being. Special. And?he was a key instrument in everything that we?ve had going the last week to try to get things back on track. I?ll ride with Loon forever. This is a special man.??
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According to Kerr, Kevon Looney has been an integral part of things in the last week as the Golden State Warriors try to heal and move on from the incident. The center arguably does not need any introduction. He has been a part of the Warriors squad for seven years now and has won three titles.
Last season, he started 80 out of the 82 games in the regular season. He also started more than half of the games in the playoffs.?Warriors fans have Looney to thank, for keeping the team together. They will be hoping this could be the spark the team needed to defend their title.
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The Warriors will face the Los Angeles Lakers in the season-opening game on October 18.
Do you think the Golden State Warriors are title contenders this season? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.