Golden State Warriors’ Jordan Poole listed as one of five players who need fresh start

After a disastrous postseason that saw him characterized as near unplayable by the end, Golden State Warriors’ guard Jordan Poole faces an intriguing intersection of his young career.

The 23-year-old averaged just 10.3 points on 34.1% shooting from the field and 25.4% from three-point range during 13 postseason outings. It only got worse the further it went, with Poole averaging less than six points across his final five games against the Los Angeles Lakers.

Despite not yet starting a new four-year, $140 million contract, does Jordan Poole need a fresh start away from the Golden State Warriors?

Poole’s deteriorating form has now led to widespread speculation on his future with the Warriors, that despite signing a long-term deal with the franchise less than eight months ago. Now, in a recent article by Bleacher Report’s Grant Hughes, Poole has been identified as one of five players around the league who need a fresh start.

"“Whether it was the preseason punch, a zillion early-season palming violations, the league figuring him out or general dissatisfaction with his role, Jordan Poole played like a guy who had a foot out the door all season”, Hughes wrote."

While off-court matters may have impacted Poole’s season, the on-court fit is now a serious question mark given the Warriors will be paying over a combined $120 million to the three-guard trio of Poole, Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson. It’s an aspect Hughes identifies after Poole’s struggles as a sixth man this season.

"“His failure to fill a critical playoff niche as the Golden State Warriors’ main shot-creator behind Stephen Curry sealed the deal. The Warriors need depth, someone who’ll play within their system and financial relief, and the best way to get some of those things is to trade Poole, who’ll probably be better off running his own show without a teammate that tried to knock him out.”"

Hughes sees a potential deal involving Poole and OG Anunoby as a good fit for both sides, recognizing the latter as another who needs a fresh start with a new team. The validity of the article does come into question with the inclusion of Luka Doncic, while Deandre Ayton and Karl Anthony-Towns are also viewed as players who need to move on from their current team.

Golden State have been nothing but positive on Poole’s future with the team since the conclusion of their season, though you wouldn’t expect anything else as they seek to retain what’s left of his value amid potential trade discussions.