Ever since the Golden State Warriors traded Andre Iguodala, they’ve been on the quest for a sixth man capable enough to impact the game and keep the team afloat when the starters went to the bench.
If the play-in tournament taught us anything, it’s that Jordan Poole can be that guy. Down the stretch, head coach Steve Kerr trusted him enough to typically keep him in the lineup, and the second-year guard should understand the respect level that Kerr must have for him.
The Warriors may have been one of the four teams not to advance from the play-in tournament, but they were given a glimpse at a bright young future.
Despite not having many options, Kerr thought Poole was more effective in the final unit then Kevon Looney, Mychal Mulder, Kent Bazemore or Eric Paschall. He’ll have a firm spot in the rotation to start next season.
As for his actual performances in the play-in tournament, Poole exceeded expectations.
Against the Lakers, he put up ten points, shooting 4-for-9 from the field and 2-for-5 from downtown. He poured in 19 points against the Grizzlies. He was 6-for-11 from the field and 3-for-5 from deep.
One of the more underrated notes about his two-game total is that he had just two turnovers. Poole played well, and he played within himself. He didn’t try to do too much, although he put some finesse on a few moves.
"“I like the fact he took those shots (late vs the Lakers). I like the fact he tried LeBron at the rim. It shows that he’s fearless in those moments,” two-time MVP Stephen Curry said on the Poole via NBC Sports’ Drew Shiller."
The Warriors have Mychal Mulder and Damion Lee. Both could return next season, but it’ll be Poole’s spot to lose. Showing his consistency as a shooter and a scorer, he proved that he can captain the second unit while also being able to transition into a spot-up shooter.
That’s everything Kerr should want from his sixth man next season.
With Klay Thompson set to return to the roster next season, Poole’s ascension won’t result in him being a starter, but for him to be the sixth man on a title-contending team in his third season should be enough to prove his determination.
On the season, Poole averaged 12 points per game, shooting a touch over 43 percent from the field. He also hit 1.9 threes per game on just over 35 percent from deep.
It was an impressive season from Poole, and all of Dub Nation will be ready to see him continue to grow as a player next season.