"Now you really a piece of s**t" - Former NBA All-Star Justifies Draymond Green punching Jordan Poole on Warriors

Draymond Green and Jordan Poole's relationship changed after a practice incident led to a physical altercation. In 2022, months after the Golden State Warriors won the title against the Boston Celtics, leaked footage showed Green punching Poole during a team practice.

The altercation led to a shaky relationship between the two players and the eventual trade of the guard to the Washington Wizards.

On Tuesday's episode of "GIl's Arena," the question was asked whether Green regrets his actions toward his former teammate. Ex-NBA All-Star Kenyon Martin thinks the Warriors star's decision to punch was justified. However, he pointed out that the four-time champion probably regrets doing it.

"After you think about it, yeah," Martin said. "I think Green wished he hadn't punched him. Because in the moment, don't nothing else matter, except me proving my point. Jordan Poole, pushing him, said you wanted to fight. Probably didn't want to.

"But if that man would've stepped back when Draymond walked up on him, instead of him doing this. If you just take a step back, like, 'I ain't trying to fight you dog.' It would've been over. Had dude threw his hands up and he punched him, now you really a piece of s**t."

On Saturday, the Warriors defeated the Wizards 122-114. After the game, NBA Insider Marc Spears talked to Poole. According to the Washington guard, he's still on good terms with most people in the Golden State franchise.

His quote was posted on X (formerly Twitter). Green replied to Spears' post and expressed his regret for punching the younger player.

"I really am sorry," Green wrote.

With the Wizards in the 2024-25 season, Poole is averaging 21.6 points, 2.9 rebounds and 4.7 assists in 34 games. He's performing better than the previous campaign, where he had 17.4 points on 32.6% shooting from the 3-point range.

How did the Warriors punish Draymond Green for punching Poole?

Draymond Green was regretful after the incident and issued a public apology. Following his statement regarding his actions toward Poole, he took time away from the team.

"I'm going to continue to stay away, as I've been away, and continue to do work on myself, but also just give guys space," Green apologized. "I do want to give my team some space, I want to give Jordan some space, and then also take a few days and continue to work on myself ... take some time to let everything breathe."

Additionally, Green was fined by the organization. However, the amount deducted from his salary from the incident was not revealed by the Warriors, per Spotrac.