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How Jordan Poole has Extended the Warriors’ Championship Window

By Sonny Bartell

Apr 18, 2022; San Francisco, California, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Jordan Poole (3) celebrates with guard Stephen Curry (30) after a play against the Denver Nuggets during the third quarter of game two of the first round for the 2022 NBA playoffs at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 18, 2022; San Francisco, California, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Jordan Poole (3) celebrates with guard Stephen Curry (30) after a play against the Denver Nuggets during the third quarter of game two of the first round for the 2022 NBA playoffs at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /
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It’s pretty simple. Not many people could’ve predicted the emergence of Jordan Poole, especially on such a big stage. Many draft experts hated the pick by the Golden State Warriors to reach for a guard with such raw potential when they were in the middle of their win-now period.

The experts appeared to be proven right as Poole struggled mightily and was sent down to the G-League. Poole started to play better and better when he got sent down, and was called up halfway into the 2020-21 season.

So, if you are wondering why people are upset about JP missing out on Most Improved Player, now you know why. Poole was in the G-League last year for a chunk of time and has been the best playoff performer on multiple occasions now.

Jordan Poole’s rapid ascension has put the Golden State Warriors back into a position for long-term success at the highest level.

The shot-making and a quick first step from the 22-year-old guard out of Michigan have drawn some of the league’s best star’s attention. His playoff success, along with his great regular season play, has been a joy to watch. His game mirrors Stephen Curry, who Poole praises every time he seems to have a microphone in front of him.

The Most Improved Player snub can flat out shoot, handles the ball with creativity and flair, and most like his teammate, moves extremely well without the ball, especially for someone so young.

After really thinking about the arrival of Jordan Poole, I can’t help but think of the similarities between what he is doing to help keep this Warriors dynasty alive and what a young Kawhi Leonard was able to accomplish for a legendary Spurs squad.  The Golden State Warriors and the San Antonio Spurs have some things in common. Both teams’ core players were drafted and developed into talents that not many could have predicted.

The star players from each of the dynasties both exude loyalty during a time when the league saw blockbuster free-agency moves. Kawhi Leonard shined on the brightest stage out of nowhere and was able to extend the Spurs championship window against the Miami Heat. Can Jordan Poole keep up his play against elite competition and bring more hardware back to the Bay Area? Time will tell, but Poole looks legit.

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