Rival star gives high praise for young Golden State Warriors duo

The Golden State Warriors have copped some criticism for their player development this season, particularly after the failed experiment of James Wiseman which officially ended in the final hours before the trade deadline.

But if Warrior fans or the franchise wanted some reaffirmation of their ability to scout and develop players at a high level, then it’s come from a strange place in the way of a rival star.

Paul George has given his rather glowing impressions on the development of Golden State Warriors duo Jordan Poole and Jonathan Kuminga.

Speaking on the latest episode of Podcast P with Paul George presented by Wave Sports + Entertainment, PG was full of praise for fourth-year guard Jordan Poole and particularly his growth since an underwhelming rookie season.

"I gotta shout out Jordan Poole because I didn’t see the vision from year one to year two…If you asked me after watching him the first year if he was gonna be good, I woulda told you like ‘nah I don’t see it’…When I seen him year two I was like wow…”"

Poole struggled mightily in his first year but was undoubtedly aided by increased playing time given Golden State’s status as the worst team in the league. The then 20-year-old averaged 8.8 points on 33.4% from the field and 27.9% from three-point range in 22.4 minutes per game.

Poole’s second season began much the same before a mid-season stint in the G League saw a complete transformation. He finished strongly, averaging 12 points on a much improved 43.1% from the floor and 35.1% from deep for the season. Year three saw his major breakout though, becoming a key ingredient to the Warriors championship in averaging 18.5 points on 45/37/93 shooting splits. His form saw the front office reward Poole with a four-year, $128 million contract extension that will kick in from next season.

You can listen to the full episode here:

George also had some kind words for second-year forward Jonathan Kuminga, stating,

“Kuminga is a dog, he’s gon’ be really good.”

The 20-year-old has made a major leap in year two, gaining greater trust from coach Steve Kerr and becoming one of Golden State’s best defenders.

George’s Los Angeles Clippers will face the Warriors in a vitally important matchup on Thursday. Kuminga is expected to return having missed three-straight games with an ankle injury, and is likely to spend plenty of time guarding George and fellow star wing Kawhi Leonard.