Where Do the Golden State Warriors Go From Here?

Last week, Draymond Green of the Golden State Warriors attacked teammate Jordan Poole — throwing a seemingly-unprovoked punch that's caused major concern for the defending champions as they begin their season. 

Green was horribly wrong with his actions and will face punishment. But the larger issue is how to repair the damage. How does the team refocus, rebound and maintain its culture?

For the rest of the season and really his career, Green will have to address his actions and show far more restraint when answering than he did the day he attacked Poole. Green’s and the team's problems may appear separate, yet repairing both is essential to restoring trust and cohesion. 

Green offered a heartfelt apology on Saturday, saying, “It is very important that, you know, I start the process of rebuilding trust. I don’t necessarily think the brotherhood is gone. But in a brotherhood, sometimes, that splinters. When it’s splintered, you have to pull that back together. And that is splintered right now. And it’s important that I do the work to pull that back together."

But Green's behavior has been hurting the team for months. He has played out of control at points, received costly technical fouls, and placed his team in jeopardy even before this incident. His actions, including in the NBA Finals, indicate a deeper problem than a simple one-time mistake that can be rectified with a fine and an apology.

Even though Green is sorry for his behavior, will his out-of-control actions continue to hurt the team? This leads us to the main question every leader must address:  

Is keeping talent more important than maintaining culture?  

Suppose the Warriors allow Green to return. In that case, they will negatively impact their culture and essentially condone his behavior, signaling to everyone talent is most important with their belief that Green will change. 

Bypassing an old Bill Parcells adage: "Once a player shows you who he is, believe him."

Even Green knows the culture has been splintered and will be a tough challenge to repair. What will happen in the future when other players don't enhance the culture? Will they change? Will they get a second chance? Understanding the Warriors' decision will have tentacles and impact other decisions five and ten years from now.  

Sure, the NBA is a talent-driven league and letting a great player go can cause a minor setback. But while allowing Green to return might make the fans and media believe the Warriors are primed and ready to repeat, we all know culture comes first, and without a great one, no team wins a title.  

Green has made the Warriors ask hard questions of themselves.

Their answers will ultimately determine their future.