Woj: Warriors' Ring Night Had 'Significant' Impact on Draymond Green Punishment

The Golden State Warriors allowed Draymond Green to start the season with the team, even though he punched his teammate in the face.

The decision reportedly had a lot to do with the teams getting their championship rings from last season.

The Warriors put a lot of weight on opening night being ring night. They are going to get their rings from the fourth championship in Golden State. The banner is going to go up. They didn't treat it like it was a big deal. They didn't want Draymond Green to be suspended. If this had happened in the regular season, and they weren't there as defending champion, there would have been a suspension.

Steve Kerr spoke about the situation on Tuesday.

NBA on ESPN @ESPNNBA

Steve Kerr addressed the decision to fine Draymond Green following his altercation with Jordan Poole. pic.twitter.com/ODHidwL48B

"We have spent the last week in deep discussions with all of our key figures in the organization, including Jordan and Draymond of course, Steph, all of our players, and myself, and I can tell you there have been a lot of conversations." We've had all the different combinations that can be used in a conversation. The process has been lengthy.

We have a good feeling for our team. Bob and I know our players very well because we have a lot of continuity on this team. After looking at everything, we feel like this is the best way to go. No matter what decision you make, it is never easy. It won't be perfect. Since I've been here, this is the biggest crisis we've had. It's really important.

Green told reporters on Saturday that he would be taking a break from the team.

"I'm going to stay away, as I've been away, and continue to do work on myself, but also give guys a break," he said. I want to give my team some space, I want to give Jordan some space, and then I want to work on myself for a few days.

Green apologized to his teammates on Thursday, a day after he was involved in an altercation.

Michael Lee @MrMichaelLee

This is disappointing mismanagement by GSW. Jordan Poole's not going to jeopardize his bread or the dynasty by insisting Draymond Green get severely punished or moved. But the organization should protect him from a teammate who escalated a situation & violated trust with violence

Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz @LeBatardShow

"In an NBA practice, guys fight. Guys punch each other. I've seen guys choke each other. This happens." – @DarthAmin explained why Draymond Green's actions weren't as uncommon as people think and broke down the differences between NBA game fights and NBA practice fights. pic.twitter.com/ad9zUylpaN

Green knows that it will take time to repair his relationship with his teammate, who he has been very close to as they head into their fourth year together.

"Jordan's feelings are the most important, and to be honest I don't know how he feels," he said over the weekend. It shouldn't be a bridge we've crossed yet. Allowing Jordan to work through his thoughts is the most important thing at the beginning.

When Green comes back to practice on Thursday, that process will start. It will be a big storyline for the Warriors as they look to defend their title, especially if they can't mend their differences.