Jordan Poole is a budding star.
While he may not be playing for the Warriors after this upcoming season, Poole could be in store for an adjusted role in the team’s rotation, especially given who they signed this offseason. Let’s start with who they lost.
The Golden State Warriors have depth all over the court, and it might be on Jordan Poole to fill the role behind two-time MVP Stephen Curry.
The most notable conversation about who won’t be returning to Golden State centers around shooting guard Gary Payton II. Payton II played a vital role in the 2022 NBA Finals, mainly as a crucial defender. He signed a three-year contract with the Portland Trail Blazers.
On top of losing Payton II, Otto Porter Jr. signed with the Toronto Raptors, so they lost two players in their Finals rotation in the offseason. Now, the talent for the Dubs is still there. But, who they added and who they expect to step up could shuffle some players around.
The Warriors signed former Bucks first-round pick Donte DiVincenzo who does have NBA Finals experience. DiVincenzo is primarily a shooting guard, and Moses Moody will compete for those minutes as well.
With both players capable of having key 3-and-D roles, the Dubs will have their choice there.
That’s where Jordan Poole comes in. Poole was primarily a shooting guard last season. He’s expected to come off the bench against this year, and he should see the bulk of his minutes at the point guard spot.
Poole played just 33% of his minutes as the main facilitator. He spent over 60% of his minutes at the two. For the sake of his long-term future, getting the minutes at the one could bode well, and it should be what he’s in store for.
The Warriors currently only have Mac McClung behind Curry. Quinndary Weatherspoon could be an option if McClung doesn’t crack the final roster as well. Nonetheless, it’ll be on Poole to step up on both ends of the court and drastically improve his playmaking for others.
If what we saw at the end of last season was any projection for the 2022-2023 year, Poole will be primed to blow away any expectations that are set for him.