The scope for Jordan Poole to become a starter with the Golden State Warriors

Option 2 – Poole’s defense drastically improves, allowing the Warriors to start a three-guard lineup

While the Poole Party unit looked like a dangerous weapon for Steve Kerr, it did also prove a bit of a gimmick in reality. The lineup (Curry, Poole, Thompson, Andrew Wiggins and Draymond Green) was a productive 13.8 in net rating during the playoffs, yet was -4.5 in just 10 minutes of playing time in the Finals.

Although this is the more improbable option, it’s really the only realistic way that Poole can make the starting lineup in the next two seasons. At 6’4″ with decent athleticism, there’s no reason why he can’t become an average NBA defender, rather than the limited one who can be exploited come playoff time. He just has to look at Curry for inspiration in turning from a poor defender to a good one.

Kevon Looney is the obvious one to make way from the starting lineup, but alternative options could open up at the end of the season. If one of Wiggins or Green leave in free agency, and the Warriors don’t adequately replace them nor have confidence in a younger player like Jonathan Kuminga, then they’d be left with no choice but to utilise Poole.

These are all discussions the Warriors would have already had internally. Poole’s importance can’t be underrated as the most proven of Golden State’s younger core, even if there’s a logjam at his position that limits his opportunities in the short-term.

While the franchise will have its plans, it’s really up to Poole in the end. How much is he willing to put in the work defensively, and what kind of patience does he possess to await his turn in the pecking order?