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Stephen A. Smith urges Golden State Warriors to trade young star

By Peter O'Keefe

MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE - MARCH 23: ESPN Stephen A. Smith before the game between the Memphis Grizzlies and the Brooklyn Nets at FedExForum on March 23, 2022 in Memphis, Tennessee. 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 Justin Ford/Getty Images)
MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE - MARCH 23: ESPN Stephen A. Smith before the game between the Memphis Grizzlies and the Brooklyn Nets at FedExForum on March 23, 2022 in Memphis, Tennessee. 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 Justin Ford/Getty Images) /
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The Golden State Warriors have a big offseason of decisions ahead of them, with the future of Jordan Poole among the issues presented to what will be a new look front office in the wake of Bob Myers’ departure.

After a meteoric rise in 2021-22 that culminated in his first NBA championship, Poole was given a four-year, $140 million extension that will kick in from next season. But despite having not yet started the deal, many believe Poole’s time at the franchise could be limited following a disastrous 2022 playoff run.

ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith has urged the Golden State Warriors to trade Jordan Poole in their search to re-enter championship calculations next season.

Speaking on ESPN’s First Take earlier this week, Stephen A. Smith left no doubt that he thought Poole’s extension played a part in a season that had all sorts of good, bad and ugly.

"“I propose they do trade Jordan Poole. I think that so much of Golden State’s success, outside of their shooting prowess and their cohesion and chemistry, is everybody being on the same page mentally and emotionally, and he didn’t seem to be that guy. He got his bag and his mentality changed.”"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xHHOvn1x-Os

Whether Poole’s off-court work ethic has slipped could only be answered by those within the organization. From an on-court aspect, if anything his mindset shifted from confidence to over-confidence, regularly leading to poor shot selection and sloppy, disastrous turnovers.

It’s also a little unfair to attribute a potential mentality shift to the new contract. Poole was the victim of a horrific punch from Draymond Green during training camp, with the latter and head coach Steve Kerr admitting that the incident impacted Golden State across the entire season.

Poole did average a career-high 20.4 points during the regular season, but became near on unplayable the further the Warriors’ 13-game postseason went. The 23-year-old averaged 10.3 points during the playoffs, shooting a paltry 34.1% from the floor and 25.4% from three-point range.

Next. 3 Best Moves of Bob Myers’ Tenure at the Golden State Warriors. dark

While many, including Warrior fans, share Stephen A’s perspective, it’s clearly easier said than done. It will obviously depend on what’s on the table from opposing teams, which may not be much given Poole’s end to the season.

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