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The Golden State Warriors entered the 2021-22 season with championship expectations as they expected to parade the big three of Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green for the first time in more than two years. It was not smooth as they wished as injuries continued to hound their stars since October, but there is still reason for optimism in the organization because of the ascension of third-year guard Jordan Poole.
Before this season, he had spurts of scoring in double digits, but he was not as explosive and impactful as he was this year. Poole just had a rough patch during the dog days, but he is back to being a superb three-level scorer for the Warriors who are still missing the services of Curry. Golden State has the highest payroll already entering next year as Poole could be signed to a multi-year extension in the offseason. Even if it will cost a ton to retain him, the Warriors must not second-guess themselves.
Why the Warriors should sign Jordan Poole to a contract extension
Killer mentality, eagerness to win
From the younger generation of NBA players, there is the tendency for some to dread the glitz and glamor but not focus too much on the consistent winning by their squad. That is not the case for Poole as he is willing to adjust and blossom into any sort of role assigned by coach Steve Kerr. When given the opportunity, Poole possesses the utmost energy to produce instantly, especially in the scoring department.
After Green called out the team in their disastrous loss to the Orlando Magic, Poole spearheaded the scintillating victory over the first-place Miami Heat without their core pieces. He was aggressive on pick-and-rolls and dribble-hand-off situations that created more space for him to attempt higher quality shots and dish it off to his teammates as well. When the Warriors finally welcome Curry back for the playoffs, Poole's intensity and focus will not wander, but he will remain focused on the utmost goal of the championship.
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Arsenal fits Warriors culture; not a solo star
In Draymond Green's podcast, he would always be enamored with Poole's fantastic dedication to his craft. He prioritizes his own development in order to fit the culture and environment that is continually being imparted by Kerr and his staff. Moreover, the irrational confidence of Poole on some instances occurs because his teammates give him the license to attempt and even convert those highly-contested shots.
From tuning into the Warriors games, Poole could easily be a ball hog and attempt more shots every night, but he knows that he must work around the Warriors system. Even just in his third season, the primary reason for this brilliant mindset is the veterans on his ear every day. The mentorship and the guidance of these tenured individuals are becoming rarer in the NBA landscape, but Golden State continues to value their massive importance in aiding the player development of guys like Poole.
Less pressure on Klay and other reliable scorers
With Thompson still slowly finding his groove and rhythm, having Poole in the roster would lighten the load for him offensively. Unfortunately, Andrew Wiggins has been struggling ever since the All-Star break, which is a critical reason for their struggles in March. Kerr is the perfect individual to figure out their lapses in time for the playoffs. but he knows that he could draw up more scoring plays for Poole this postseason.
Thompson will have games wherein he will light it up and tally over 30 points and seven threes, but Poole is another option who could record similar numbers as well. The rotation of the Warriors are still not set because of the missing bodies, but Poole knows he could produce whether he is a starter or a sixth man. His defense could be questioned at times, but Kerr must just see the effort from him as he will have Green and Kevon Looney to protect the paint.
With Wiggins entering unrestricted free agency in 2023, the Golden State Warriors will have money in their books that they could allot to Jordan Poole. Letting Wiggins go may force their defense to plummet a bit, but Poole's talent is so unique that they must not wait for him to enter restricted free agency. At this juncture, a small market team may offer him a substantial amount that the Warriors may not match, so the Warriors must act quickly and offer him any sort of extension he requests in the 2022 offseason.
