The altercation between Draymond Green and Jordan Poole in Warriors practice on Wednesday certainly was violent, but some believe that the scuffle was nothing out of the ordinary in the game of basketball.
In speaking with TMZ Sports, former NBA point guard and current "NBA on TNT" analyst Kenny Smith downplayed the incident, claiming that an altercation like the one between Green and Poole actually is quite common and upon watching the leaked video for the first time, expected it to appear worse.
"That behavior is uncommon in normal society, without question," Smith said. "However, that behavior happens a lot in sports because of the physicality, the adrenaline, and all those things.
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"I thought it was going to be worse when I saw the video. I was like, 'Oh, they just got into a scuffle.'"
Smith played 10 seasons in the NBA from 1987 to 1997, arguably one of the more physical eras in basketball history. He has seen his fair share of players fighting. Smith also believes that the body language of those on the floor with Green and Poole is evidence enough that the incident was not as serious as many believe it was.
"I won two championships with like five guys who fought," Smith added. "Look at the video again. Assistant coaches didn't even jump in. They were like, 'This stuff is not crazy.'"
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Golden State Warriors
The Warriors have yet to announce an official punishment for Green, who currently is taking time away from the team with the season opener against the Los Angeles Lakers on October 18 just around the corner.
If it were up to Smith, it doesn't sound as if he believes a serious punishment for Green is warranted.