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Golden State Warriors: Jordan Poole may quietly make himself the go-to player on the second unit

By Nathan Beighle

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 05: Jordan Poole #3 of the Golden State Warriors in action against the Los Angeles Lakers at Chase Center on October 05, 2019 in San Francisco, California. 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. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 05: Jordan Poole #3 of the Golden State Warriors in action against the Los Angeles Lakers at Chase Center on October 05, 2019 in San Francisco, California. 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. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /
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We knew Jordan Poole could score, but this preseason, he’s proven that he may become the go-to scoring for the Golden State Warriors’ bench.

One of the weakest units in the league last season, the Golden State Warriors bench will almost by default be better. Coming into the preseason, there were multiple spots available on the second unit, one of which is the backup shooting guard role.

Jordan Poole may be slowly locking up that. The Dubs’ first-round pick has been impressive in his first two preseason outings, shooting efficient and scoring often. However, it’s key to note that Alec Burks, the current project backup two,has been out.

It may not matter though.

Poole has posted double figures against both the Lakers and Warriors. Poole’s 17 and 19 against the Lakers and Wolves respectively was the second-most on the Warriors only after two-time MVP Stephen Curry.

Entering the draft after two years in Michigan, Poole was considered a reach by many analysts, and while he still has a long way to go to prove them wrong, he’s certainly off to a good start. He was given some votes for best shooter in the rookie survey as well.

So far this preseason, Poole is 11-for-23 from the field and 7-for-16 from downtown.

With Klay Thompson out, the Warriors will desperately need another solid scoring option. They’ll be losing 47-plus points in their starting lineup because of Durant’s departure and Thompson’s injury.

Impressive early, the Steve Kerr-led Warriors know not to overreact to a preseason outing. Poole must showcase his talent during the regular season when he’s fighting for his minutes and won’t easily earn 20-plus off the bench.

If he’s consistent enough, Poole could force Burks to slide to the backup three and solidify his role. That said, he’s been producing so far, but they’ll need Poole to keep it up and continue to prove that he’s capable of minutes when the season begins.

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This will be a development to watch all preseason long.

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