NBA-Warriors want repeat, Celtics seek redemption, LeBron eyes scoring title

LOS ANGELES : The Golden State Warriors look to add another title to their era-defining dynasty, the Boston Celtics aim to bounce back from a disappointing finals performance and LeBron James is eyeing the scoring title as the 2022-23 NBA season starts on Tuesday.

A Warriors team famous for its unity saw that tested when veteran forward Draymond Green punched Jordan Poole in the face at a practice earlier this month, an incident Green apologized for.

The notion that the altercation could do lasting damage to the team's chemistry dissipated quickly when Poole signed a four-year extension worth up to $140 million on Saturday.

Green, a four-time All-Star, was fined but not suspended over the incident.

"He apologized and was professional," Poole told reporters on Sunday at Chase Center, where the Warriors will raise their fourth championship banner in eight seasons on Tuesday before taking on the Lakers.

"We plan on handling ourselves that way ... that's really all I have to say on the matter. We're here to win a championship and keep hanging banners."

Former Knicks and Rockets head coach Jeff Van Gundy told Reuters he thought the team could move past the episode.

"I don't think the Green-Poole incident is going to have anything to do with their chances to win the championship this year," Van Gundy, now an ESPN commentator, said in an interview.

"More so their chances are going to be dependent on the development of Kevon Looney, Jonathan Kuminga and James Wiseman."

The franchise hopes those three as well as Poole and Andrew Wiggins, who also signed a four-year extension over the weekend, will continue to develop as Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson and Green enter the back half of their Hall of Fame careers.

UNEXPECTED SETBACKS

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