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3 NBA players who could be first-time All-Stars this year

By Luke Duffy

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 28: Jordan Poole #3 of the Golden State Warriors is guarded by Ja Morant #12 of the Memphis Grizzlies during the first half at Chase Center on October 28, 2021 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 Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 28: Jordan Poole #3 of the Golden State Warriors is guarded by Ja Morant #12 of the Memphis Grizzlies during the first half at Chase Center on October 28, 2021 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 Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /
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DETROIT, MICHIGAN – NOVEMBER 19: Jordan Poole #3 of the Golden State Warriors reacts after a basket in the second half against the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena on November 19, 2021 in Detroit, Michigan. 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 Mike Mulholland/Getty Images) /

3 NBA players who could be first-time All-Stars this year: 1. Jordan Poole

He couldn’t, could he? Well, why the hell not. Jordan Poole has been an absolute revelation both for the Warriors and the league as a whole this season. There’s only one Stephen Curry, and there will always only be one Stephen Curry. but Poole does about as good an impression of him whenever he’s on the court and Curry is on the bench.

Poole also changes his game somewhat when playing alongside Curry, too. There are fewer bombs from deep and more crisp passing, movement without the ball, and a willingness to drive inside.

Is it too much to say that he has been the second-best player on the best team in the league at this stage? Maybe, Andrew Wiggins is in a perfect spot now and Draymond Green is most certainly engaged.

But his 18.4 points a game is a huge help, and this season he has already scored a total of 313 points in 17 games. Last season, he appeared 51 times (starting on seven occasions) and finished up with… 612 total points. Safe to say he will blow past that number, and soon, although it is to be expected when you are hoisting up over eight attempts from deep per game.

The Warriors have the second-best offense (112.9) in the league and are the best defensive team (100). Poole is stout enough to not get moved around on D when guarding opponents, but is also quick enough to move with the best of them as well. It is almost ironic that the Warriors ranking 4th in 3-point percentage (36.5 percent) isn’t even down to Poole as much as you would think.

He is shooting just over 33 percent from deep, with all of those aforementioned attempts being the reason why. He still tries to check into Curry heat check mode a little too quickly sometimes.

Regardless, Poole has been such a find for this Warriors group. He plays in a big market and gets lots of national exposure as well, plus he has the narrative in his favor.

We all love an underdog story, and Jordan Poole has come from nowhere to step into the Klay Thompson void and quite possibly extend the window of the Warriors – the best organization of the last 10 years of the league. If that isn’t a reason to make your first All-Star appearance, then really what is?

Next. 5 superstar NBA players that desperately need help. dark