Jordan Poole is finally heating up for the Golden State Warriors

The Golden State Warriors lost faith in guard Jordan Poole, so they did what got him going last season — sent him to the G-League. Poole took a trip down to the Santa Cruz Warriors’ bubble, and as expected, he lit it up along with rookie Nico Mannion.

Poole averaged 22.4 points per game while with Santa Cruz. Shooting over 45 percent from the floor, he found his rhythm. Then, Steve Kerr brought Poole back and gave him big-time minutes with the second unit.

He has far from disappointed since returning.

Since coming back from a stint with the Santa Cruz Warriors, Jordan Poole has stepped up in a big way and led Golden State’s second unit.

The team’s first-round pick from 2019, Poole scored double figures four times prior to being sent to the bubble. Four times in 15 games, Poole, since returning, has topped that with five straight double-figure performances.

Another thing to note is that prior to being sent with Santa Cruz, Poole didn’t have a 20-point game this season. Since then, he’s dropped 26 and 23 and put in 18 points against the Utah Jazz in one of the Warriors most important victories of the season.

What can Poole’s success be attributed to?

While finding his rhythm and gaining confidence is important for a young player, the Santa Cruz Warriors coaching staff believes in a “.5” second rule which notes that a player needs to have the decision of what to do with the ball within “.5” seconds.

The Athletic’s Ethan Strauss (subscription required) expounded on this, but it’s the basis for what has created the decisiveness that has helped Poole become a much more efficient player.

It’s the basis for the thought process behind what makes him return to the Warriors a much better scorer. Since coming back to the Bay Area, Poole has upped his scoring and is averaging 19 points per game and shooting 54 percent from the field.

Not only does being sent to the G-League make Poole a more decisive player, but it arguably enhances his drive as well. Three-time All-Star Draymond Green gave the young guard some props on his dedication.

It’s certainly showcasing an improved game for the 23-year-old. On top of his scoring and efficiency play, he’s helping space the floor much better, knocking down 3.4 triples per game. He’s been the leader the second unit has craved, and it’s come at a crucial point in the season.

The Warriors will likely be without Stephen Curry tonight against the Grizzlies. In a pivotal game for the team’s playoff aspirations, it could be time for Poole to step up and display that improved leadership.

As a rookie, Poole ended the season on a strong note, and while everyone from Damion Lee to Eric Paschall have seen their minutes and opportunity drop with the return of Stephen Curry and consistent play of draymond Green, Poole has a good chance to become a major role player on this roster.

He just needs to continue making quick, smart decisions. The skill is there, and he’s clearly a diligent worker. The writing is on the wall, but it should only be time before Poole become a major threat for Dub Nation.