Golden State Warriors culture will be tested in 2022-23

For better or worse, it’s safe to say that the Golden State Warriors culture will be tested throughout the 2022-23 NBA season.

The Golden State Warriors are the defending NBA Champions. They are a team that is going to be considered one of the favorites to win it all this season. They also have one of the best players in the world, Stephen Curry, on their roster. They also have their hands full heading into the 2022-23 NBA season. And not necessarily all because of good things.

In fact, an argument can be made that the Warriors’ team culture will be tested more than ever before this season.

Can the Golden State Warriors team culture survive internal conflict?

Last week it was reported that there was a physical altercation in practice between Draymond Green and Jordan Poole. The video was released and everyone got a clear picture of what truly transpired. It prompted an apology from Draymond and he was away from the team for a few days.

However, Draymond is back with the team and expected to be in the starting 5 on opening night. Has everything been resolved? Has the team (most importantly, Poole) put what happened last week behind them?

It’s tough to say but part of being a professional is acting as it has (even if it hasn’t). That’s what Poole and Draymond are tasked with as the season begins.

I can’t speak for Draymond or Poole but it’s pretty clear that the Warriors’ culture will be tested this season. Winning generally cures all but this may be the ultimate test. And it’s not just the altercation between the two that is at play here.

Draymond is unlikely to receive a contract extension before he hits free agency next summer and there’s a growing chance that this could end up being his final season in Golden State. If that is indeed the case, how is he going to approach this season?

Will the frustration of not having clarity on his future play any role in how he approaches this season? And how will the rest of his teammates react to what happened last week?

There are a lot of factors that are potentially at play here for Draymond and the Warriors this season. And it’ll be interesting to see how the team is able to navigate them all while trying to repeat and win another championship.

For the first time in a while, the Warriors’ culture will be tested this season.