Jordan Poole Confronts Draymond Green Live For Mocking Him!

In the NBA, rivalries can burn hot and fast, flaring up and cooling down in the space of a season. But some feuds are different—rooted in betrayal, broken trust, and unresolved conflict, they linger for years, erupting at the most unexpected moments. Just days ago, the basketball world was reminded of the simmering tension between Draymond Green and Jordan Poole, two former Golden State Warriors teammates whose relationship has become one of the league’s most compelling and controversial storylines.

The latest chapter unfolded not on the hardwood, but on social media and Draymond’s own podcast, where a pointed jab at Poole reignited a saga that has captivated fans, teammates, and analysts alike. What began as a mentor-mentee relationship has devolved into a cycle of public confrontations, subtle digs, and apologies—none of which have truly healed the rift.

To understand why this feud continues to fascinate, we must revisit its origins, examine its evolution, and consider the broader implications for both players and the Warriors organization.

The Spark: December 2025 and the Alvarado-Williams Scuffle

The most recent flashpoint came during a December 27, 2025 game between the New Orleans Pelicans and the Phoenix Suns. The contest itself was quickly overshadowed by a third-quarter altercation: Pelicans guard Jose Alvarado and Suns center Mark Williams exchanged words, shoves, and ultimately punches. Alvarado, standing just 6’0”, landed a stunning uppercut on the 7’1” Williams—a moment that instantly went viral.

Both players were ejected and suspended, but it was Jordan Poole’s reaction that sparked a new wave of controversy. Standing nearby, Poole appeared frozen—wide-eyed, hands at his sides, making no move to intervene or support his teammate Alvarado. Clips of Poole’s “deer in headlights” expression spread across social media, prompting widespread mockery and debate.

Draymond Green, never one to shy away from controversy, seized on the moment during his podcast, The Draymond Green Show. Without naming Poole directly, Green criticized the lack of support: “If I’m in a fight and my teammate stands behind me and does this, come on, man. We can’t be doing that.” The context made it clear who he was talking about, and the internet exploded with reactions.

The irony was not lost on fans. Draymond—himself infamous for a violent altercation with Poole just three years earlier—was now the arbiter of teammate loyalty in a fight. Twitter lit up with jokes about Poole’s “PTSD,” referencing the infamous punch, and many wondered if Green’s comments were petty, performative, or simply another chapter in a never-ending drama.

The Mentor and the Protégé: How It All Began

To appreciate the depth of this feud, it’s necessary to understand its origins. When Jordan Poole was drafted by the Warriors in 2019, he made a deliberate choice: he picked a locker next to Draymond Green. Poole, then a rookie, wanted to learn from the outspoken veteran, whose leadership and championship pedigree were legendary.

For a time, the relationship flourished. Poole referred to Green as “big bro,” and Green praised Poole’s rapid development. Their chemistry on the court was undeniable—Green’s screens and passing complemented Poole’s quick trigger and ability to read defenses. The two even shared a playful rivalry over their college affiliations, with Poole a Michigan Wolverine and Green a Michigan State Spartan.

During the Warriors’ 2022 championship run, Poole emerged as a breakout star, averaging 18.5 points per game and thriving alongside Green in what analysts called the “two-man game.” Their synergy was instrumental to the Warriors’ success, and the future looked bright for both players.

The Incident: October 2022 and the Punch That Changed Everything

Then, in October 2022, everything changed. During a preseason practice, Draymond Green punched Jordan Poole—a moment captured on video and leaked to the public. What should have remained a private matter became a public spectacle, and the damage was immediate and irreparable.

The punch wasn’t just a physical act; it was a betrayal of trust. Steve Kerr, the Warriors’ head coach, called it “the biggest crisis we’ve ever had since I’ve been coach here.” The leaked video shattered team chemistry, and Kerr acknowledged that “there was some trust lost.” Green’s leadership was undermined, and the team struggled to recover.

Green himself admitted that the punch muted his voice as a leader. When defensive breakdowns occurred, he felt unable to correct them—his moral authority had been compromised. He became more distant from teammates, and Kerr repeatedly suggested that Green take Poole to dinner to smooth things over. Green declined, and the divide grew wider with each passing day.

Aftermath: A Season of Slippage and Lost Opportunity

The 2022-23 season became a testament to the damage caused by that single moment. The Warriors, once dominant, finished 44-38 and were eliminated in the second round by the Los Angeles Lakers. Poole’s playoff performance against the Lakers was particularly disappointing—he averaged just 10.3 points per game on 34% shooting, and his confidence seemed to have evaporated.

Asked about his relationship with Green after the playoff exit, Poole’s response was telling: “It’s just business. Honestly, that’s really all it was. It is. It has been.” What had once been described as “super authentic and genuine” had devolved into a professional obligation. The brotherhood was dead, buried beneath the weight of betrayal and broken trust.

The Trade: Warriors Choose Green, Poole Moves On

In July 2023, the Warriors traded Jordan Poole to the Washington Wizards in exchange for Chris Paul. The deal ended Poole’s four-year tenure with the organization that had drafted and developed him into a championship contributor. During his introductory press conference with the Wizards, Poole was asked if he’d heard from Green after the trade. His silent, awkward stare spoke volumes—no contact had been made.

Shortly after the trade, Poole unfollowed Green on social media, a symbolic gesture that said more than words ever could. Steve Kerr admitted that the timing of the trade didn’t sit well with him, feeling it was abrupt given Poole’s contributions to the championship. Reports highlighted that the Warriors had chosen Green over Poole, citing loyalty to the championship core and Green’s refusal to fully mend ties.

Apologies, Regrets, and the Never-Ending Cycle

What followed was a period of reflection for Draymond Green. Throughout 2024 and into 2025, Green offered numerous candid statements about the incident, consistently framing it as one of his biggest failures. Whether these reflections were sincere or strategic became a topic of heated debate among fans and analysts.

In an October 2024 interview with Anscape’s Marc J. Spears, Green admitted he became less engaged with teammates after the punch, attributing it to a veteran mindset and a belief that he needed to pull back due to the Poole situation. He described missing the close team bonds that once motivated him, painting a picture of a man who recognized the collateral damage his actions had caused.

“It took me to go through that failure with Jordan Poole, who was someone that came in and chose his locker to be next to me because he wanted to learn from me… and I failed miserably,” Green said.

Redemption? Poole’s Return to Chase Center

On January 18, 2025, Jordan Poole returned to Chase Center as a member of the Washington Wizards and delivered a spectacular performance—38 points, just one shy of his career high. Despite his brilliance, the Warriors won 122-114. In his postgame interview, Poole was asked about his feelings toward his former teammates.

“Yeah, I love those guys over there. I love most of those guys over there…” Poole said, emphasizing “most” in a way that left no doubt about his feelings toward Green. The implication was unmistakable—a subtle dig that spoke volumes.

The next day, Draymond Green replied directly on social media: “I really am sorry.” The brief apology went viral, sparking debate about Green’s sincerity. Some fans wondered if the account had been hacked, so uncharacteristic was the response.

The Apology Cycle: Genuine Remorse or Reputation Management?

On January 22, 2025, Green addressed the situation in depth on his podcast with Baron Davis. His explanation created what can only be described as an apology cycle—genuine remorse mixed with frustration at the ongoing narrative, urging closure while simultaneously defending his original actions.

“I responded because, you know, like it’s been three years. Like, let’s move on. I really am sorry… That statement was kind of like looking for some sympathy… Move on, bro. Like, it is what it is. I’m sorry. Like I shouldn’t have punched him.”

Green’s response was complicated, acknowledging both regret and justification. He revealed that he had apologized to Poole’s parents after prior social media exchanges with Poole’s father, recognizing the need for accountability.

New Teams, Old Tensions

In June 2025, Jordan Poole was traded from the Wizards to the New Orleans Pelicans. Surprisingly, Green praised the move on his podcast, calling it a net positive for New Orleans and highlighting Poole’s potential alongside Zion Williamson and Herb Jones. For a moment, it seemed as if the tension might finally be subsiding.

But then, in December 2025, Green’s podcast comments about the Alvarado-Williams fight brought the feud back into the spotlight. The cycle of passive-aggressive jabs and public commentary resumed, showing no signs of stopping.

The Nature of Forgiveness and Accountability in the NBA

What makes this saga so compelling is the fundamental question it raises about forgiveness, accountability, and the nature of professional relationships in the high-stakes world of basketball. Draymond Green has repeatedly called the punch one of his biggest failures, apologized publicly, and reflected on how it made him a worse leader. Yet he continues to reference Poole, keeping the narrative alive in subtle but unmistakable ways.

“It taught me a ton… It showed me how to be a better vet for Jonathan Kuminga, for Moses Moody, but I had to go through that in order to learn. And like I said, it sucked.”

Poole, for his part, has largely taken the high road publicly, deflecting direct questions and focusing on his current team and future. But the wounds clearly remain, ready to resurface at any moment.

Impact on the Warriors and NBA Culture

The fallout from the Green-Poole feud has been profound. The Warriors chose to retain Green, citing his championship pedigree and leadership, even as the incident undermined team chemistry and contributed to Poole’s departure. The organization’s decision sent a message about loyalty, hierarchy, and the value placed on veteran leadership.

For the NBA as a whole, the saga is a cautionary tale about the importance of trust, communication, and accountability. It highlights the challenges of managing personalities in a league where egos, expectations, and pressure collide.

Conclusion: A Feud That Refuses to Die

As the latest chapter unfolds, one thing is clear: the Draymond Green–Jordan Poole saga is far from over. Every game they play against each other, every podcast episode, every social media interaction will be scrutinized for signs of tension that refuses to die, no matter how many apologies are offered.

What began as a mentor-mentee relationship built on genuine respect and admiration has become one of the most fascinating and complicated feuds in NBA history. And honestly, we’re all here for it, waiting to see what the next chapter brings.