Golden State Warriors: Poole comments add to near untenable situation amid new low

Despite having not yet begun a new four-year, $128 million contract extension, the relationship between Jordan Poole and the Golden State Warriors is nearing an untenable situation amid a disastrous postseason that’s only getting worse.

The defending champions’ season is now on the brink following a 104-101 Game 4 loss that now places them in a deep 3-1 hole against the Los Angeles Lakers. Having held a 12-point lead during the third period, the Warriors’ collapse wasn’t helped by a new low for the fourth-year guard.

Golden State Warriors’ guard Jordan Poole has been left frustrated by dwindling playing opportunities, but he only has himself to blame amid horror playoff form.

Poole appeared to have found some form with six threes and 21 points in a productive Game 1, but he followed that with just 11 total points in Games 2 and 3. After four missed jumpshots, a couple of abysmal turnovers, and his usual lackadaisical defense in Game 4, head coach Steve Kerr had seen more than enough.

The 23-year-old was restricted to less than 11 minutes in the near must-win clash, proving that he’s becoming near unplayable in the midst of detoritating form. Poole had zero points, three rebounds and two assists, while the Warriors were a -6 in his limited action.

Post-game, NBCS reporter Kerith Burke described a tension-filled Golden State locker room where Poole was reluctant to speak with her and other media members.

"“His back was to us…When that music went off, all the other players were listening as well. You could see Andrew Wiggins, Looney right nearby, then GPII came to the locker. It was like all eyes and ears were on Jordan right there, and it just heightened the tension.”"

Poole finished with five points on 2-for-13 shooting across the two games in Los Angeles, with back-to-back losses for Golden State almost closing the door on their season. Once Poole eventually did speak, the word opportunity clearly stood out in his comments.

"“He didn’t want to talk about himself. He said my work ethic doesn’t change, my routine doesn’t change. Maybe opportunity changes but you could only control what you can control. The frustration very clear coming from Jordan Poole”, Burke said on the post-game coverage."

It’s hard to be critical of Kerr who seemingly has little alternative given Poole’s form — he’s currently averaging 11.6 points on 35.5% shooting from the field and 28.8% from three-point range this postseason. The lack of opportunity stems purely from Poole himself, with his further reduced playing time also impacted by Game 4’s high-stakes nature.

He’s also putting increased responsibility on Stephen Curry who played a virtuoso role in a 31-point triple double on Monday night. The two-time MVP was subbed out for Poole at the 5:27 mark of the third-quarter, but was forced to return two minutes later as Poole’s struggles continued. Curry would miss his final two jumpshots in the final 30 seconds, each that would have given the Warriors the lead, having played the entirety of the final 15 minutes.

Poole’s form in the playoffs will bring a very tough conversation that Golden State would not have anticipated having this offseason. His poor form, and subtle but obvious comments like these in the post-match, are only adding to the possibility of him being somewhere else by the start of next season.