3 players that must step up for the Golden State Warriors

LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 19: Nemanja Bjelica #8 of the Golden State Warriors is congratulated by Draymond Green #23 after scoring against Los Angeles Lakers during the second half at Staples Center on October 19, 2021 in Los Angeles, 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 Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 19: Nemanja Bjelica #8 of the Golden State Warriors is congratulated by Draymond Green #23 after scoring against Los Angeles Lakers during the second half at Staples Center on October 19, 2021 in Los Angeles, 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 Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
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(Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
(Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)

Golden State Warriors player that must step up: Jordan Poole

Third-year guard Jordan Poole has been the team’s second-best scoring option. He’s a better creator than former No. 1 overall pick Andrew Wiggins. However, he’s returned to his inefficient ways.

He’s being given 27.8 minutes per game and is scoring 15.2 minutes per game, both decent averages. The ugly part is that he’s shooting just 40.3 percent from the field and 24.1 percent from deep.

Those numbers must improve. Against the Thunder, Poole went 0-for-7 from deep. While Curry and Klay Thompson have had those types of games, they aren’t nearly as frequent.

Along those lines, maybe it’s the fault of fans who were expecting more from Poole. Nonetheless, Poole needs to consistently be that second top threat, and that means being more efficient despite already having a couple of solid scoring outings.

All of that to say, the Warriors are still 4-0 and the top seed in the division. They have been surging, but they’ll be looking more in tune with a true title contender if these three can step up in the near and distant future.