Warriors: Jordan Poole’s extension was a no-brainer for Golden State — here’s why
By Luke Duffy
2. Jordan Poole helps the Golden State Warriors win now
All this talk of the future and being able to replace an all-time great in Curry is brilliant news for the Warriors, but what about the here and now? In signing Poole to a four-year deal, they know that his production is going to remain on a roster that is balancing present and future brilliantly.
In Moses Moody, Jonathan Kuminga and even James Wiseman, the organization has young and intriguing players who they will be hoping to continue making strides. But while they cannot yet be called upon dependently, and with Curry, Thompson and Green getting no younger, Poole is the perfect player to be a regular-season firecracker for them.
He has championship experience with the group, and his 18.6 points per game in 76 games played last year (51 starts) is invaluable. In crunch time next summer, when the Warriors still hope to be playing, we know Poole can be trusted to come in and give a meaningful contribution if another member of the team is lacking offensively.
It is about more than just on-court production with Poole, as his handling of the Green situation has been, to this point, immaculate. He didn’t go on social media and make a big deal out of it. In fact, he didn’t say anything until the contract extension was announced and he had to say a few words about the life-changing deal.
That is the kind of character that coach Kerr has thrived alongside. In all of their years winning titles, no player from that core has ever been outspoken about wanting more touches, minutes, or money. Curry was fine with the franchise adding Kevin Durant, and in turn, taking MVP opportunities away from him. Poole is the continuation of this way of thinking. All of the off-court stuff is irrelevant, he just wants to play to the highest level possible.