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Golden State Warriors: Time in G-League has helped Jordan Poole

By Tony Pesta

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 18: Jordan Poole #3 of the Golden State Warriors reacts to a three point basket during the second half against the Orlando Magic at the Chase Center on January 18, 2020 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 Daniel Shirey/Getty Images)
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 18: Jordan Poole #3 of the Golden State Warriors reacts to a three point basket during the second half against the Orlando Magic at the Chase Center on January 18, 2020 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 Daniel Shirey/Getty Images) /
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The Golden State Warriors are elated to see Jordan Poole taking steps forward in his development.

An exciting college prospect with a ton of personality, Jordan Poole hoped to have a successful rookie season with the Golden State Warriors.

Klay Thompson was quick to give praise to the rookie, claiming Poole “smoked him” in a shooting contest early in the season. This means a lot coming from one of the greatest shooters of all-time in Thompson.

Sadly, Poole’s rookie season hasn’t exactly gone to plan thus far. He was quickly thrown into the starting lineup when Stephen Curry fell with a fractured left hand. Playing an increased role with heavy expectations, Poole faltered.

Poole’s career began at a historically bad pace. In his first 24 games, Poole averaged just 7.9 points on 25.8 percent shooting from the floor. At his current rate, Poole would become the second rookie since the1959-60 NBA season to shoot below 30 percent from the filed on at least 300 field goal attempts.

His poor shooting combined with a lack of defensive presence made it difficult for the Warriors to justify giving him playing time. By late December, the Warriors had moved Poole to the G-League in order to boost his confidence.

Sending a player to the G-League can be a double-edged sword. Depending on the player’s mentality, this can help or damage their confidence. In Poole’s case, his time in the G-League worked wonders.

In the G-League, Poole put up 26.5 points, 6.3 rebounds and 5.7 assists per game. This string of strong performances was all the streaky shooter needed to step back into the NBA world and do what he does best.

Poole didn’t waste time showing his improved confidence. By his eighth game back, Poole scored a career-high 21 points to cap off a four-game stretch in which he put up 15.3 points a night on 43.1 percent shooting.

Next. Warriors: Eric Paschall getting himself back on track. dark

The Warriors are hoping that Poole will continue to improve and build on this hot streak so that he can play a legitimate role with the team next season.

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