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Golden State Warriors: Realistic expectations for Jordan Poole in 2019-2020

By Nathan Beighle

Las Vegas, NV - JULY 5: Jordan Poole #3 of the Golden State Warriors handles the ball during the game against the Charlotte Hornets during Day 1 of the 2019 Las Vegas Summer League on July 5, 2019 at the Cox Pavilion in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images)
Las Vegas, NV - JULY 5: Jordan Poole #3 of the Golden State Warriors handles the ball during the game against the Charlotte Hornets during Day 1 of the 2019 Las Vegas Summer League on July 5, 2019 at the Cox Pavilion in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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The Golden State Warriors will be depending on their rookies for depth, but expecting valuable contributions from Jordan Poole isn’t a good idea.

What is a realistic expectation for Jordan Poole this upcoming season? Well, if we’re being honest, many fans are seemingly expecting Poole to come in and be a contributor on this championship-contending team.

All that’s going to do is lead to disappointment.

By no means is Poole’s career destined for failure. He’s an excellent shooter and a smart playmaker. However, on the defensive and offensive end, he’ll need to get stronger and more confident before becoming a rotational asset.

We saw this in summer league.

Poole averaged 17.8 points per game in the four games he played.

That’s extremely solid for summer league play, but he put up those numbers while shooting 40% from the field and without many other on-court contributions like assists or rebounds. 40% won’t get him consistent minutes with Golden State.

The ceiling for Poole is in rookie season is a player like Landry Shamet or Josh Hart. If the Warriors secured a player that gives them over seven points each night, they should consider that a successful first season.

The two players that are solid comparisons for Poole are J.R. Smith and Nick Young. However, it’s difficult to compare their rookie seasons given that, at least for Smith, he was on an 18-win Hornets team.

Poole shot 37% from deep at the collegiate level. It’d be a successful first season if that’s similar to what he produces in the NBA. However, that’s a huge if with the three-point line further back and more better defenders closing out on shots.

As the team’s third-string shooting guard, Poole’s minutes in rookie season will be limited which isn’t good for those wanting to watch Poole develop.

To be fair, Poole’s rookie season may mimic Jacob Evans, the Dubs third-string small forward who spent much of last season with the Santa Cruz Warriors. Maybe, just maybe, I’m overlooking a few characteristics of Poole’s game that make him unique like his touch from outside.

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Overall, without any true NBA experience, don’t expect much from Poole this season and don’t expect Kerr to rely on him heavily at the two either.

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