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3 Golden State Warriors who can thrive in Stephen Curry’s absence

By Peter O'Keefe

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 14: James Wiseman #33 of the Golden State Warriors celebrates with Jordan Poole #3 after Wiseman scored against the Denver Nuggets during the first half of an NBA basketball game at Chase Center on October 14, 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 - OCTOBER 14: James Wiseman #33 of the Golden State Warriors celebrates with Jordan Poole #3 after Wiseman scored against the Denver Nuggets during the first half of an NBA basketball game at Chase Center on October 14, 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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Golden State Warriors’ Jordan Poole and Stephen Curry celebrate during the 2022 NBA Finals. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
Golden State Warriors’ Jordan Poole and Stephen Curry celebrate during the 2022 NBA Finals. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

Three Golden State Warriors who can thrive in Stephen Curry’s absence —  Jordan Poole

Following an offseason extension that will see him earn at least $123 million over the next four years (from next season), Jordan Poole has struggled with consistency as he’s navigated the Warriors’ sixth-man role.

The 23-year-old is the obvious player who should thrive in Curry’s absence across the next few weeks. There’s no secret that Poole is much more suited to a starting role — a point that’s been proven across last season and the first portion of this one.

Poole has started ten games this season to date, but has played mostly next to Curry as Klay Thompson rests on one night of a back-to-back. He’s averaged 25 points, 2.6 rebounds and 4.4 assists per game — numbers that include his season-highs of 36 points achieved against the San Antonio Spurs and Utah Jazz.

Fortunately for the Warriors, Poole has recent history of stepping up with Curry out. It’s easy to forget that he missed a significant period late last season with an ankle injury that threatened to derail Golden State’s campaign.

Poole assumed the point-guard duties with aplomb, dropping 20+ points in ten consecutive games which included multiple 30+ point games. He averaged 25.6 points, 4.7 rebounds and 5.6 assists in 17 games without Curry in 2021-22, shooting 42.8% from the floor and 38.9% from three-point range.

They’re the sort of numbers Poole will need to replicate if the Warriors are going to have any shot of winning games consistently. This is what the Warriors have paid him the big bucks to do — lead the Golden State offense without Curry on the floor.

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