In the third year of his contract — a year Warriors brass once considered declining — Jordan Poole has become the best backup shooting guard Golden State has had in years. Only so far this season, he hasn’t been a backup at all.
Poole, who’s coming off a 32-point performance against the Miami Heat, is slated to become one of the most overqualified backups in the league as soon as Sunday, when Klay Thompson is expected to return.
Poole’s demotion to the bench comes as the Warriors (29-7) post the best record in the NBA. Poole’s averaging a career-high 18.1 points per game — third-most on the team — and has shown off-the-bounce scoring ability unique to GSW’s roster outside Stephen Curry. But Thompson, the five-time All-Star, will rejoin the team in the starting role he’s earned.
That kind of power dynamic within a team can be delicate. But The Athletic’s Marcus Thompson, who joined the Murph & Mac Show on Tuesday, said Poole is prepared for the inevitable transition.
“Jordan Poole didn’t take the starting spot from Klay Thompson,” Thompson, the reporter, said. “What he did was get this period of time to show people he can do it and what he’s worth. As much as it’s going to sting, it’s certainly going to help come contract extension time. It’s certainly going to help when you talk about Most Improved, Sixth Man. He got the seat when Klay was out and he kept it warm.”
In his last two games, including the 32-point performance, Poole came off the bench. He hasn’t always been a starter, but re-learning how to develop feel for a game as a reserve and playing with some new teammates could be beneficial.
Poole also doesn’t always close games, with Andre Iguodala or Payton II often slotted in for their defense. He already has experience as a backup and playing as the focal point of second units.
The Athletic’s Thompson noted that the Warriors have been searching for a worthy Thompson backup since Leandro Barbosa retired in 2019. Nick Young didn’t fit GSW’s system. Quinn Cook was too small. Jacob Evans didn’t pan out. But Poole, especially in 2021-22, has looked perfect.
There’s growing optimism that Thompson could return to the Warriors on Sunday. After he left pregame shoot around on Monday, he held up six fingers, winking at reports circling Sunday — six days from then.
Then, Poole will be the full-time backup, in for instant offense and playmaking. It’s a role he’s familiar with, and even if it is a demotion, Poole may have already won long-term with his play early this season.
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