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If Jordan Poole can step up, Warriors may not need much free agency help

By Nathan Beighle

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 could have an active free agency period, or they could just trust Jordan Poole to take over the second unit in Year 2.

Jordan Poole was electric the last few games of the season. If he can produce like that throughout the majority of the 2020-2021 season, then the Golden State Warriors may not need much more help in free agency to get back to Finals contention.

Poole’s rookie season was really a tale of two stories.

It was a story that started out extremely poorly. It almost seemed like the Warriors’ 2019 first-round pick couldn’t hit a single shot after being dubbed one of the best rookie shooters by his peers.

During his first 14 games, Poole shot 26% from the field and 25% from downtown. Some of those games include performances like an 0-for-7 outing against New Orleans and a 1-for-9 outing against Oklahoma City.

Those two are just a few of the myriad of tough games Poole suffered through. He was eventually sent to the G-League as well but was quickly recalled.

Skipping through to the last part of the season prior to the novel coronavirus suspending the league and ending the Warriors season, Poole was starting to heat up. He was terrific his last dozen games, giving hope for a bright future.

Poole averaged 14.3 points per game during his last 13 games. The bigger difference is the fact that he shot 47% from the field and 31% from downtown. He also neared four assists per game. Poole seemed like a completely different player.

Poole ended his rookie season averaging 8.8 points per game. While that’s not awful, he should look to improve in year two, and if you take just the positives away from Poole’s rookie season, his numbers improve tremendously.

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Can he take over the second unit? He showed he could, but head coach Steve Kerr will have to trust him heading into next season. That trust could be established with how the Warriors act in free agency.

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