Jordan Poole did not have the ideal start to his rookie campaign with the Golden State Warriors. After getting drafted by Bob Myers and Steve Kerr with the No. 28 pick in the 2019 NBA Draft, the Michigan product struggled to adjust to the league.
Despite getting an opportunity to play with injuries tearing through Golden State’s backcourt, Poole only averaged 7.0 points per contest through his first 30 games. During that span, the 21-year-old shot 25.7% from the field and 23.7% from beyond the arc.
Following a rough stretch in December that saw Poole shoot only 10.5% from the field in nine games, the Warriors opted to send the rookie guard to the G League.
After a short stint in Santa Cruz, Poole returned with confidence. Poole averaged 14.3 points on 47.2% from the field to close out the season with 3.9 assists and 2.5 rebounds in 13 games. During Golden State’s final stretch, Poole marked double-figures in scoring in 12 of 13 games.
Poole’s steady performance to end the year is continuing into the offseason. In a post-practice interview with members of the media at Golden State’s offseason minicamp, Kerr praised his soon-to-be sophomore wing. Kerr said Poole has been the “most consistent presence” at the Warriors practice facility over the last few months.
Kerr via Warriors SoundCloud:
Jordan’s [Poole] had a great camp. I would agree with Juan [Toscano-Anderson]. Jordan has been here every day, really for the last few months. He’s been the most consistent presence in this building. He’s put the work in — in the training room, in the weight room and on the court with Chris Demarco. He’s earned the confidence he’s playing with. He looks like a guy who feels like he belongs.
Usually, guys take the biggest steps in their careers between years one and two — to me, that’s been my experience. Once guys have the experience under their belt, they know what they’re getting into and they feel it. And now the next year, they come back with a different level of play and that’s what I’m seeing with Jordan.
He’s had a great camp. He’s earned it, as I said. We’re really excited for him and he knows he’s got to keep working and earn everything he can get next year.
Poole’s continued development could provide the Warriors with flexibility heading into the deeper stages of the offseason. With Klay Thompson and Stephen Curry coming off significant injuries, Golden State needs a reliable choice behind the Splash Brothers. Instead of adding a piece in the draft or free agency, the Warriors could have an option in-house with Poole.
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