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For the Warriors, it’s time to let Jordan Poole shine

By Nathan Beighle

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 12: Jordan Poole #3 of the Golden State Warriors reacts after making a three-point shot against the Milwaukee Bucks in the second half of an NBA basketball game at Chase Center on March 12, 2022 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 Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 12: Jordan Poole #3 of the Golden State Warriors reacts after making a three-point shot against the Milwaukee Bucks in the second half of an NBA basketball game at Chase Center on March 12, 2022 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 Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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Over the past several weeks, it’s felt like the Warriors have been the ones limiting Jordan Poole, not necessarily by anything they’ve done on purpose to alienate the third-year guard.

Rather, it’s because of, when at full strength, how dominant their starting lineup is. When Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson were both active, Poole would be forced to come off the bench, and he rarely found his rhythm with the second unit.

The Golden State Warriors are going to want to stay where they are in the standing, and they may need Jordan Poole’s magic to keep the wins coming in.

In a unique scenario, Poole and Thompson both started against the Bucks.

It was a primetime match as the Warriors welcomed two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo and the reigning champions Milwaukee.  Poole and Thompson started and absolutely dominated, combining for 68 points, 30 from Poole and 38 from Thompson.

In 2021, Poole averaged 17.9 points per game.

This calendar year, up until this last stretch of 3 games in which he’s started all of, Poole’s scoring has dwindled to 15.7 points per game. He’s averaging over 25 points per game over his last 3 games, all starts.

Poole should get an opportunity to be a permanent starter until the postseason with Stephen Curry having sprained his foot against the Celtics.

Andrew Wiggins’ missing time is what helped open up the spot for Poole’s taking. Curry, who has typically overwhelmed teams either with his shooting or the mere threat that he can launch from anywhere on the court, will likely be sidelined until the playoffs.

He’s out indefinitely, having sprained his left foot against the Celtics.

While head coach Steve Kerr may have thought the play the dangerous, that won’t change the fact that Curry is going to miss significant time, and he’s going to have to figure out how to keep this team afloat.

Entering the playoffs with a high seed should be of utmost importance as the Warriors are tied with the Suns for the best home record in the NBA. That’s where Poole comes into play as he’s going to need to step up in a big way for this offense.

He’s arguably the most gifted scorer on the team with Curry out.

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He’s averaging a career-high in points, assists and rebounds. Poole needs to take over, and it’s time he shows that ultra-high ceiling, especially since the time has come when the Dubs will need it the most.

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